The trailer for Pia Marais’ “Transamazonia” was released ahead of the film’s world premiere in competition at the Locarno Film Festival. “Transamazonia,” which will have its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival, will be distributed internationally by The Party Film Sales. WME Independent is handling North American rights.
The film centers on Rebecca, the daughter of missionary Lawrence Byrne. Rebecca was dubbed a “miracle” after surviving a plane crash deep in the Amazon rainforest as a child. Years later, she has become a faith healer and supports her mission thanks to her growing fame. But when illegal loggers invade the land of the indigenous people who want to evangelize her, Rebecca’s father maneuvers her into the epicenter of this escalating conflict.
In a statement, Marais said: “In this feverish environment, I wanted to work loosely with elements of suspense and genre. In moments, to create an eerie dream atmosphere. Somewhat inspired by films like Brian De Palma’s ‘Carrie’ or Hitchcock’s ‘Marnie’, we follow a central character, Rebecca, who hasn’t quite figured out who she is yet.”
“I’ve always been fascinated by female characters who have to suppress a part of themselves in order to function in their world. They have to hide it even from themselves. So it was important that Rebecca maintain something unreal, like a facade. A child healer who functions as a projection and who grows up and becomes an adult. She comes to a conclusion herself. In a gently determined way, she turns the tables and gives herself a new purpose.”
The main roles are played by Helena Zengel, Jeremy Xido, Joao Vitor Xavante, Pira Assurini, Hama Luciano and Sabine Timoteo. The screenplay was written by Marais, Willem Droste and Martin Rosefeldt.
The film was produced by Cinema Defacto, Gaïjin and Aldabra Films, in coproduction with Pandora Film Produktion and Point Productions, in coproduction with Volos Films, Vitamine C, O’Par and Cabocla Filmes, in collaboration with Cinema Inutile, Tigresa Filmes, Matizar Filmes and ARTE/Cofinova and in coproduction with Arte-WDR and RTS Radio – Television Suisse.
“Transamazonia” is Marais’ fourth feature film. Her feature film debut “The Unpolished” won the Tiger Award at the Rotterdam Film Festival in 2007. “At Ellen’s Age” was in competition in Locarno in 2010 and at over 30 festivals, including Toronto. “Layla Fourie” premiered in competition at the Berlinale in 2013 and received a special mention from the jury. In 2018 she made her first documentary film “Cari Compagni” for Arte.
