is an animated documentary series that brings to life the stories of Latin American land and territory defenders whose lives were tragically cut short. Each episode of this anthology offers an immersive journey into the life, struggles, and unresolved conflicts of one individual, combining factual information with emotional storytelling through the voices of their loved ones.
Comprising six episodes of 15 minutes each, The Souls of Escazú explores the personal and community repercussions of environmental conflicts related to mineral extraction, deforestation, indiscriminate water use, and the invasion of Indigenous territories. The series not only portrays the battles fought by the activists, but also highlights the ongoing struggles of their families and communities, who continue to live under the shadow of these unresolved issues.
Each episode focuses on a single activist, using their personal story to delve into broader themes of environmental and social injustice. Through animation, the activists are portrayed as both observers and participants in the narrative, engaging with their past and reflecting on the present-day impacts of their deaths.
The series seeks to honour the legacy of its protagonists, shedding light on the hardships and sacrifices made in defence of Latin America. Through a blend of visual and narrative techniques, The Souls of Escazú moves fluidly between the ethereal and the real, making the ongoing effects of these conflicts on human life and the environment both tangible and deeply felt.
This project is a co-production between Cubho Audiovisual (Chile), Leste (Brazil), Polygonal Factory (Spain), and Forward Films (Spain).
Funding:
- Ibermedia Next 2024
Pitches:
- Animadeba 2024
- Conecta – Meeting of the International Documentary Film Industry 2023
Labs:
- Anima Spirit Inspirational Lab / When East Meets West 2025
- RIA – Apa Lab 2023
- Next Lab 2023 and 2024
Markets:
- Pixelatl 2023
- Quirino Awards 2023 and 2025
- Doc Montevideo 2023
- DocSP 2023
- Miradas Doc 2023
- SanFic 2023
- ITFS – Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film 2023