Foto: Isabel Allende – (c) Courtesy of Lori Barra.
VANCOUVER, BC – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ICON Creative Studio, Canada’s largest independently owned CG animation studio announced today it will produce, in partnership with L.A. based Animation creative executive Pilar Flynn and writer Rafael Agustín, an animated short film adaptation of Isabel Allende’s internationally acclaimed story “Dos Palabras.“ This marks the first time the legendary Chilean novelist has granted screen adaptation rights to the work, her most requested adaptation among all her short stories. Allende, who is one of the world’s most widely-read Spanish language authors, will also serve as an Executive Producer on the project. A luminous tale about the transformative power of words, the story follows Belisa Crepusculario, a woman who sells words so potent that they even influence a powerful man’s quest for the presidency. Steeped in mystery and magical realism, the tale explores a timeless choice that confronts us all – whether to use words to inspire connection…or to unravel it.
“I am thrilled to soon see one of my oldest short stories adapted by an incredible team. It’s a story about the power of words, and I can’t wait to see it brought to life” said Isabel Allende.
Pilar Flynn – Courtesy of Pilar Flynn
Pilar Flynn, two-time Emmy Award winner and Peabody nominee for Disney’s „Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,“ will direct and serve as executive producer and co-writer. Flynn, who was named one of „The 50 Most Powerful People in Kids‘ Entertainment“ by The Hollywood Reporter, was also a producer on Disney’s critically acclaimed “Elena of Avalor,” which follows Disney’s first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore.
„Being a native of Chile and Ecuador with over two decades of experience in the animation industry, directing and writing this film is a dream realized. I am excited for the opportunity to weave my heritage and artistic expression together to bring Isabel’s vivid magical realism to life,” said Flynn.
Rafael Agustín – Courtesy of Rafael Agustín
Serving as co-writer and executive producer is Rafael Agustín, a writer on the award-winning „Jane The Virgin“, a producer on the upcoming rock documentary, “Los Lobos Native Sons,” and bestselling author of „Illegally Yours.“ Agustín added, “I’m thrilled that Isabel has entrusted Pilar and me with this story. In keeping with her unwavering celebration of women around the world through her writing and philanthropy, it’s fitting to see Isabel join us on this animated project to uplift Pilar’s directorial debut. We’re sincerely honored and excited to introduce her work to a new generation of audiences.”
Rafael Chaidez, a two-time Emmy and Annie Award-winning animation producer whose credits include the „Kung Fu Panda“ series, „Puss in Boots,“ and Disney’s „Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,“ serves as producer.
Shea Wageman CEO / President and Vice President Carson Loveday, of ICON Creative Studio, will also serve as Executives and Producers. Additionally, Damián Perea, founder of Animayo Film Festival, will serve as an Executive Producer.
„We are honored to be invited to work with Writer-Director Pilar Flynn, Writer-Producer Rafael Agustin, and Producer Rafael Chaidez to bring Isabel Allende’s extraordinary tale to the screen for the first time,“ said Wageman. „This story carries profound relevance for our times. It’s about the transformative power of words, the triumph of the human spirit, and choosing inspiration. With our world-class team of artists and this exceptional creative leadership, we’re creating something truly special that honors both the story’s Latin American roots and its universal themes.“
Flynn additionally added, “I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Shea and Carson and their remarkably talented, high-caliber team on previous projects. I’m thrilled to come together again for a project of such meaning.”
ABOUT ISABEL ALLENDE
Isabel Allende, born in Peru and raised in Chile, is a novelist, feminist, and philanthropist. She is one of the most widely read authors in the world, having sold more than 80 million copies of her books across forty-two languages. She is the author of multiple bestselling and critically acclaimed books, including The House of the Spirits which became a worldwide phenomenon. She has received fifteen honorary doctorates, been inducted into the California Hall of Fame, National Literature Prize. In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, and in 2018, she received the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters from the National Book Foundation.
ABOUT PILAR FLYNN
Pilar Flynn is a two-time Emmy® Award-winning and Annie-Award winning creative and producer who was recently named one of “The 50 Most Powerful People in Kids’ Entertainment” by the Hollywood Reporter. Pilar was a co-showrunner for Disney Television’s „Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,“ based on Marvel’s hit comic books, for which she was nominated for a prestigious Peabody Award. She was also a producer on Disney’s critically acclaimed „Elena of Avalor,“ which follows Disney’s first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore. Pilar began her animation career at DreamWorks Animation Features, where she co-produced the award-winning short „First Flight“ and worked on the production of films such as „The Road to El Dorado,“ „Sinbad,“ „Spirit,“ „Madagascar“ and „Flushed Away.“ Pilar then went on to serve as line producer of the animated feature films „Mean Margaret“ and „Astroboy.“ She was also „Sausage Party,“ a co-production between Sony Pictures Animation and Annapurna Pictures, starring Seth Rogen. countries throughout South America and Europe.
ABOUT RAFAEL AGUSTIN
Rafael Agustín was a writer on the award-winning TV show Jane the Virgin, is the author of the bestselling book Illegally Yours: A Memoir, and is a producer on the upcoming rock documentary Los Lobos Native Sons. In 2022, the LA Times declared Rafael a “Power Player” in their inaugural Latino trailblazers list, and in 2024, Rafael received the Latino Spirit Award for Achievement in Cinema & Literature from the California Latino Legislative Caucus. Rafael currently serves as Vice Chair of the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR), which publishes Mother Jones magazine and the Reveal radio show, and is a member of the National Film Preservation Board at the Library of Congress. He received his BA and MA from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film & Television, and is a past Sundance Institute Fellow.
ABOUT ICON CREATIVE STUDIO
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Vancouver, BC, ICON Creative Studio is Canada’s largest independently owned CG animation studio, renowned for its world-class Animation, storytelling, design, and production excellence. From its historic Gastown headquarters, ICON delivers high-quality, full-pipeline animation services — from storyboards to final comp — for partners including Disney, Netflix, Apple TV+, Skydance, Warner Bros., Paramount, and Sony Pictures Animation. Alongside its service partnerships, ICON is developing and producing a slate of original animated features and series, including the CG feature Charlie the Wonderdog, starring Owen Wilson with original music by Bryan Adams (which released on January 16, 2026). ICON operates under a holistic production philosophy focused on “putting it all up on screen” — combining artistry, technology, and storytelling to push the limits of CG animation worldwide.
Learn more at: www.iconcreativestudio.com