Italy-Mexico Co-Production "Isabel Hernández" Sets Sail with Madrefoca on Board

Mexico's Madrefoca Cine has secured a major role in the Italy-Mexico co-production "Isabel Hernández," a feature debut from Italian filmmaker Giorgio Giampa. The production joins forces with Zoe Films, LaDoc, and Fiasco, marking a significant milestone for Madrefoca, a company co-founded in 2023 by producer Alejandro Saevich. This partnership propels "Isabel Hernández" into the spotlight, as it was selected as one of the 15 titles for the 2026 Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum at the prestigious San Sebastián Film Festival.

Background & Context

"Isabel Hernández" is a highly anticipated project that has been years in the making. Giampa has spent seven years researching and developing the film, immersing himself in the Guatemalan jungle and living among forest communities. This extensive research has not only shaped the narrative but also informed the casting approach, with Giampa planning to work largely with non-professional actors whose lives resonate with the story.

The film's focus on the Guatemalan jungle and the experiences of Latin American migrants in the U.S. is a timely and poignant theme. The project's selection for the San Sebastián Film Festival's co-production forum is a testament to its potential to spark meaningful conversations about identity, community, and the complexities of the human experience.

Key Details

The production team for "Isabel Hernández" comprises Lorenzo Cioffi from Zoe Films, Giampa, and Elena Fortes from Fiasco, with producer Alejandro Saevich joining the team from Madrefoca. This collaborative effort brings together a diverse group of creatives with a shared vision for the project. The film follows Isabel, a young agronomist living in the Guatemalan jungle, as she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her father's past. Her search for answers takes her to two men who knew her father, a young man he raised like a son and a former soldier who claims to possess information about his disappearance.

Giampa's statement on the film's themes highlights the importance of confronting the past in order to find peace: "Isabel tries to piece together the past, claim a future of her own, find her own peace." The film's narrative is deeply rooted in the Guatemalan jungle and the country's complex history, including the civil war and the genocidal massacres of the 1980s.

Shooting for "Isabel Hernández" is planned for autumn 2027, marking the next stage in the project's development. The film has already received support from various institutions, including the TorinoFilmLab FeatureLab 2026, the EAVE Producers Workshop 2025, and the Film Commission Regione Campania.

What Experts Say

"Isabel Hernández" is a prime example of the growing trend of international co-productions, which are becoming increasingly popular in the film industry. This collaboration between Italian and Mexican producers is a testament to the strength of the film industry's global network and its ability to bring together diverse creatives with a shared vision.

The film's focus on themes of identity, community, and the complexities of the human experience is also reflective of the broader cultural and social context. As the world grapples with issues of migration, displacement, and social justice, "Isabel Hernández" offers a powerful and poignant exploration of these themes.

Key Takeaways

• Madrefoca Cine has secured a role in the Italy-Mexico co-production "Isabel Hernández," joining forces with Zoe Films, LaDoc, and Fiasco.
• The film is a feature debut from Italian filmmaker Giorgio Giampa and has been selected for the 2026 Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum at the San Sebastián Film Festival.
• The production team comprises Lorenzo Cioffi from Zoe Films, Giampa, and Elena Fortes from Fiasco, with producer Alejandro Saevich joining from Madrefoca.
• The film follows Isabel, a young agronomist living in the Guatemalan jungle, as she searches for answers about her father's past and confronts the complexities of her identity.

What This Means For You

The success of "Isabel Hernández" and the growing trend of international co-productions have significant implications for the film industry and beyond. As the industry continues to evolve and globalize, we can expect to see more collaborations between creatives from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

This trend is not only reflective of the industry's growth and diversification but also of the changing cultural and social context. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for meaningful and thought-provoking storytelling has never been more pressing.

As we look to the future of the film industry, it is clear that projects like "Isabel Hernández" will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and inspiring new generations of creatives. The film's themes of identity, community, and the complexities of the human experience are timeless and universal, offering a powerful and poignant exploration of the human condition.