Widely read in high school literature classes throughout Spanish-speaking countries of the world, the Colombian novel, “María,” is often referred to as the “Romeo and Juliet” of Latin American literature. Set in the mountains and jungles of the Cauca River Valley of 1860s Colombia, “María” tells the story of two young star-crossed lovers — Efraín and María — who struggle to confront, understand, and sustain their great love for one another against all odds. Emboldened by the stories of María’s nanny, the freed African slave, Nay, “María” takes its audience on an adventure of the heart, spirit, and imagination — through the mountains and jungles of Colombia, the islands of the Caribbean, the Ivory Coast of Africa, and the early research laboratories of London — all as Efraín frantically searches to find a rare, mysterious plant to cure the disease that threatens María’s life.

The Songs and Music of “María”

Act 1
“Take a Step” (Efraín at 12, María at 9; Efraín at 18; María at 15)
“Oh Bogota!” (Efraín, his friend, Carlos, Efraín’s Family)
“Things Have Changed” (Efraín, Papá, Mountain Villagers)
“Island of Jamaica / Isla de Jamaica” (María)
“Heart of Hearts” (Efraín and María)

Act 2
“The Jaguar Dream” (Efraín and Carlos, Narrator’s Voice)
“A Few Flowers” (María, Mamá, her nanny, Nay)
“One Destiny” (Nay)
“Muda la tarde” (Carlos and his Salsa Band)
“Will She Marry Him?” (Efraín, Carlos, María, Emma, Mamá, Papá)

Act 3
“You Outdo the Sunshine” (Efraín and María)
“Promise Me” (Efraín and María)
“Off to the Laboratory” (Efraín)
“So, What is Love?” (Efraín, María, Cast)

The Film

The filmmaker /composer sees the film in a completely new “human actor-based” format, as in the “hyper-real” style of “Moulin Rouge,” “Edward Scissorhands,” or Television’s “Pushing Daisies” or “Ugly Betty.” Richard Linklater and Bob Sabiston’s “Waking Life” and “A Scanner Darkly” also come to mind for their human-, rotoscope-based animation style.

With the growing popularity of family oriented musicals, the “G” rated film targets families with children between the ages of 4-15, especially those of Hispanic or Spanish-speaking ethnicities (to be produced in English and Spanish with a bilingual cast). We anticipate great opportunities for international distribution of the film, including derivative product lines (books, toys, music CDs, licensing, program spin-offs, etc.) as well as theatrical performances on the world stage.The Artists / Creative Team (Conceptual)

Prospective Collaborators:

The filmmakers are currently in conversations with the following creative artists/filmmakers/producers:

Correo Aereo – Abel Rocha, Madeleine Sosin, Seattle, WA (USA):  (www.correoaereo.com)
Andrew Shapter, Filmmaker, Austin, TX: (www.andrewshapter.com)
Tracy Marino, Film Producer, Austin, TX
Vance Holmes, Director of Photography, Austin, TX
Lee Fontanella, Professor Emeritus/Story and Culture Consultant
Lucía Caycedo Garner, Emerita/Culture and Language Consultant
Mark Bauman, VP Media Programs/EVP Music and Radio, National Geographic
Julio Reyes Copello: Producer/Composer (www.julioreyescopello.com)
Juanes, International Pop Star/Cantoautor (www.juanes.net)
Shakira, International Pop Star/Cantoautora (www.shakira.net)
Bob Sabiston, Austin, TX: Filmmaker/Animation Technologist (www.flatblackfilms.com)
Matt White, Washington, DC, Film/Media Producer (www.mattwhite.org)

The Proposal

Currently in pre-production, the filmmakers are creating a collaborative team of prospective individuals with whom to plan the early development stages and financing of the film and musical CD. As the 105-page script and rudimentary musical compositions have been completed, next steps include arranging the musical compositions, budgeting, and securing a development deal to begin formal pre-production and production of the film and related properties, as well as finding theatrical and non-theatrical distribution for Maria.

Inquiries

For more information on creative and collaborative opportunities, distribution and investment opportunities, and how you can support Maria, please contact: Jim Bruno at 512.680.2088 (jimbruno@gmail.com) or Randy Merriman at 512.296.5691 (techconsult@earthlink.net).