The trailer for Pia Marais' “Transamazonia” was released ahead of the film's premiere in competition at the Locarno Film Festival. “Transamazonia,” which will have its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival, is being sold internationally by The Party Film Sales. North American rights are handled by WME Independent.
The film revolves around Rebecca, the daughter of missionary Lawrence Byrne. Rebecca is declared a “miracle” after surviving a plane crash as a child, deep in the Amazon jungle. Years later, she becomes a miracle healer, and her growing fame supports their mission. But when illegal loggers invade the land owned by the indigenous people to whom they are preaching, Rebecca's father thrusts them into the center of this escalating conflict.
“In this frenetic setting, I wanted to work loosely with elements of suspense and genre,” Marais said in a statement. “In moments to create a strange dreamlike atmosphere. In a way, inspired by films like Brian De Palma’s “Carrie” or Hitchcock’s “Marnie,” we follow a central character, Rebecca, who has yet to fully realize who she is.
“I’ve always been fascinated by female characters who have to suppress a part of themselves in order to function in their world. Even hide it from themselves. So it was important for Rebecca to maintain something unrealistic, like a facade. She’s a child therapist who acts as a projection, and she finds herself growing up and coming of age. And she comes to a conclusion for herself. And in a kind, determined way, she turns the tables on her father and remakes herself.”
The film stars Helena Zengel, Jeremy Schidow, João Vitor Zvante, Piera Assurini, Hama Luciano, and Sabine Timoteo. The screenplay is by Marie, Willem Drost, and Martin Rosefeldt.
The film was produced by Cinema Defacto, Gaïjin and Aldabra Films, in co-production with Pandora Film Produktion and Point Productions; in co-production with Volos Films, Vitamin C, O'Par and Cabocla Filmes; in association with Cinema Inutile, Tigresa Filmes, Matizar Filmes and ARTE/Cofinova; and in co-production with Arte-WDR and RTS Radio – Television Suisse.
“Transamazonia” is Marie's fourth feature film. Her first feature, “The Unpolished”, won the Tiger Award at the Rotterdam Film Festival in 2007. “At Ellen's Age” screened in competition at Locarno in 2010 and at over 30 festivals, including Toronto. “Layla Fourie” premiered in competition at the 2013 Berlin Film Festival, receiving a special jury mention. In 2018, she directed her first documentary, “Cari Compagni”, for Arte.
