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ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER JANE FONDA BOARDS THE COMPELLING DOCUMENTARY “NORITA” ABOUT THE LIFE OF THE ESTEEMED ARGENTINE ACTIVIST AND FEMINIST ICON NORITA CORTIÑAS AS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER FONDA JOINS FELLOW EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS - OSCAR® WINNER GUSTAVO SANTAOLALLA AND AUTHOR/ACTIVIST NAOMI KLEIN FOR THE FILM DIRECTED BY JAYSON MCNAMARA AND ANDREA TORTONESE HITTING FESTIVALS THIS SUMMER "NORITA" - A Riveting Documentary Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of a Feminist Icon
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Los Angeles, June 5, 2024 - Producers of the new documentary “NORITA” announced today that Academy Award® winning actress and esteemed activist, Jane Fonda, has joined the team of Executive Producers behind the highly anticipated documentary directed by Jayson McNamara and Andrea Tortonese about the life of the compelling and inspiring Argentinian activist and feminist icon Norita Cortiñas who recently passed away this past Friday May 31, 2024, at the age of 94.
From Australian Director/Producer Jayson McNamara (“Messenger On A White Horse”), Argentinian Director and Animator Andrea Tortonese and Producers Sarah Schoellkopf (“Ferguson Rises”) of DoctoraStories, Francisco Villa, and Melissa Daniels (“Venus As A Boy”) of Tidetivity Studios comes the insightful and compelling documentary chronicling the life of the indomitable Norita Cortiñas, as she transforms her grief into unwavering activism, sparking a movement that changes Argentina forever.
Jane Fonda, known not only for her legendary film and tv career but also for her unwavering commitment to social and political causes, has long been a champion of human rights and activism. Her involvement adds an extra layer of prestige and resonance to an already remarkable project.
“It is an honor to have Jane’s support and backing,” states director Jayson McNamara. “As a respected artist across generations, she is the ideal person to be bringing light to the story of an activist such as Norita.”
"As the world grapples with human rights and social justice, 'NORITA' serves as a timely reminder that together we can make an extraordinary difference,” adds Director Tortonese. “Today, more than ever, we need stories like Norita's to light our path forward.”
“NORITA” takes viewers on a gripping journey through Argentina's tumultuous history, where Norita's personal tragedy becomes a catalyst for change. As a mother seeking justice for her disappeared son during the dark days of Argentina's dictatorship, her unwavering determination and fearless activism led her to co-found the renowned Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, a pivotal human rights organization.
The film chronicles her journey to seek justice for the past while inspiring the next generation of women’s rights activists. Norita has been held up as a symbol by the women’s movement, dating back to the 1980s, and is seen as a fundamental fixture in the movement’s success during Argentina’s 2020 vote to legalize abortion.
The film includes original music by a collective of Argentinian composers, led by two-time Oscar® winner Gustavo Santaolalla, who has been a close friend of Nora’s over many years.
“What inspired me to write the music for the film was not just her transformation but also the love that seems to underpin everything she does,” says Santaolalla, who won Best Original Score two years in a row for his compositions for Brokeback Mountain and Babel. He is joined by Argentinian collaborators Juan Luqui, Paco Cabral and Matías Tozzola.
In addition to Fonda, “NORITA” boasts an esteemed line-up of Executive Producers, including Gustavo Santaolalla; award-winning journalists/activists Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis; award-winning producer Barbara Muschietti; Hollywood director Andy Muschietti; and philanthropist John Flynn.
“What happened in Argentina can happen anywhere,” says Barbara Muschietti. “We need these stories of everyday people doing big things to remind us of what humanity is capable of. “NORITA” is a film that will reaffirm why my country’s dictatorship brings lessons for all of us, everywhere, especially today.”
Directors McNamara and Tortonese have collaborated on the project since 2014 in Buenos Aires, embedding themselves in Norita’s story. The film includes rare footage of Norita during Argentina’s women’s movement and striking archival footage from her five decades of activism. The film’s aesthetic also includes animation sequences by director/animator Tortonese.
Emerging US based studios DoctoraStories and Tidetivity Studios are bringing stories of fearless female-lead activism to US and world audiences longing for examples of nuanced strength and determination in difficult political landscapes.
As the world continues to grapple with issues of human rights, social justice, and the power of collective action, Norita Cortiñas' story is an inspiration to activists, mothers, and anyone who believes in the pursuit of justice.
“NORITA” will have its world premiere in June at the Dances With Films Film Festival in Los Angeles at the TCL Chinese theater.
From Australian Director/Producer Jayson McNamara (“Messenger On A White Horse”), Argentinian Director and Animator Andrea Tortonese and Producers Sarah Schoellkopf (“Ferguson Rises”) of DoctoraStories, Francisco Villa, and Melissa Daniels (“Venus As A Boy”) of Tidetivity Studios comes the insightful and compelling documentary chronicling the life of the indomitable Norita Cortiñas, as she transforms her grief into unwavering activism, sparking a movement that changes Argentina forever.
Jane Fonda, known not only for her legendary film and tv career but also for her unwavering commitment to social and political causes, has long been a champion of human rights and activism. Her involvement adds an extra layer of prestige and resonance to an already remarkable project.
“It is an honor to have Jane’s support and backing,” states director Jayson McNamara. “As a respected artist across generations, she is the ideal person to be bringing light to the story of an activist such as Norita.”
"As the world grapples with human rights and social justice, 'NORITA' serves as a timely reminder that together we can make an extraordinary difference,” adds Director Tortonese. “Today, more than ever, we need stories like Norita's to light our path forward.”
“NORITA” takes viewers on a gripping journey through Argentina's tumultuous history, where Norita's personal tragedy becomes a catalyst for change. As a mother seeking justice for her disappeared son during the dark days of Argentina's dictatorship, her unwavering determination and fearless activism led her to co-found the renowned Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, a pivotal human rights organization.
The film chronicles her journey to seek justice for the past while inspiring the next generation of women’s rights activists. Norita has been held up as a symbol by the women’s movement, dating back to the 1980s, and is seen as a fundamental fixture in the movement’s success during Argentina’s 2020 vote to legalize abortion.
The film includes original music by a collective of Argentinian composers, led by two-time Oscar® winner Gustavo Santaolalla, who has been a close friend of Nora’s over many years.
“What inspired me to write the music for the film was not just her transformation but also the love that seems to underpin everything she does,” says Santaolalla, who won Best Original Score two years in a row for his compositions for Brokeback Mountain and Babel. He is joined by Argentinian collaborators Juan Luqui, Paco Cabral and Matías Tozzola.
In addition to Fonda, “NORITA” boasts an esteemed line-up of Executive Producers, including Gustavo Santaolalla; award-winning journalists/activists Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis; award-winning producer Barbara Muschietti; Hollywood director Andy Muschietti; and philanthropist John Flynn.
“What happened in Argentina can happen anywhere,” says Barbara Muschietti. “We need these stories of everyday people doing big things to remind us of what humanity is capable of. “NORITA” is a film that will reaffirm why my country’s dictatorship brings lessons for all of us, everywhere, especially today.”
Directors McNamara and Tortonese have collaborated on the project since 2014 in Buenos Aires, embedding themselves in Norita’s story. The film includes rare footage of Norita during Argentina’s women’s movement and striking archival footage from her five decades of activism. The film’s aesthetic also includes animation sequences by director/animator Tortonese.
Emerging US based studios DoctoraStories and Tidetivity Studios are bringing stories of fearless female-lead activism to US and world audiences longing for examples of nuanced strength and determination in difficult political landscapes.
As the world continues to grapple with issues of human rights, social justice, and the power of collective action, Norita Cortiñas' story is an inspiration to activists, mothers, and anyone who believes in the pursuit of justice.
“NORITA” will have its world premiere in June at the Dances With Films Film Festival in Los Angeles at the TCL Chinese theater.
Norita Cortiñas marches in protest in 2017 in Argentina in a scene from the documentary
NORITA directed by Jayson McNamara and Andrea Tortonese
Photo Credit: Archivo Hasenberg-Quaretti
NORITA directed by Jayson McNamara and Andrea Tortonese
Photo Credit: Archivo Hasenberg-Quaretti
Theatrical Poster of the documentary NORITA directed by Jayson McNamara and Andrea Tortonese
Norita Cortiñas takes to the microphone in protest in 2018 in Argentina in a scene from the documentary
NORITA directed by Jayson McNamara and Andrea Tortonese PHOTO CREDIT: Francisco Villa
NORITA directed by Jayson McNamara and Andrea Tortonese PHOTO CREDIT: Francisco Villa
Norita Cortiñas (middle with glasses) leads the December 16, 1982 Marcha del Pueblo por la Democracia y la
Reconstrucción Nacional in a scene from the documentary NORITA directed by Jayson McNamara and Andrea Tortonese
Photo Credit: Archivo Hasenberg-Quaretti
Reconstrucción Nacional in a scene from the documentary NORITA directed by Jayson McNamara and Andrea Tortonese
Photo Credit: Archivo Hasenberg-Quaretti
ABOUT JANE FONDA
Jane Fonda is a two-time Academy Award-winning actor (Best Actress in 1971 for Klute and in 1978 for Coming Home ), producer, author, activist, and fitness guru. Her career has spanned over 50 years, accumulating a body of film work that includes over 50 films and crucial work on behalf of political causes such as women’s rights, Native Americans, and the environment. She is a seven-time Golden Globe® winner and was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2021. Fonda also recently accepted The Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award at this year’s 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.
Fonda continues to lead the charge on the climate emergency via Fire Drill Fridays, the national movement to protest government inaction on climate change which she started in October 2019 in partnership with Greenpeace USA. In 2022 she launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which is focused on defeating political allies of the fossil fuel industry. Her latest book, “What Can I Do? My Path From Climate Despair To Action” details her personal journey with the movement and provides solutions for communities to combat the climate crisis. Jane also notably celebrated her 85th birthday by raising $1 million for her nonprofit, Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP).
ABOUT THE DIRECTORS
Director Jayson McNamara’s debut feature Messenger on A White Horse screened on Nat Geo Mundo, as well as at film festivals such as Full Frame, BAFICI and LASA. For the last 7 years, Jayson has been documenting the life of Nora Cortiñas after they met at Argentine LGBTQ+ demonstrations - a cause close to Jayson’s heart and one that he reported on during his 7-year tenure as a journalist at the Buenos Aires Herald.
Born in Buenos Aires, Director Andrea Tortonese studied Fine Arts and Cinematographic Arts. She developed as an art and animation director for film and advertising and also as an illustrator in publications and human rights campaigns. She worked for five years with the Madres de Plaza de Mayo Línea Foundadora in the Communication and Archive area where she met Nora Cortiñas. She also directed the art and animation of the political documentaries Qué Deocracia and Bienaventurados, both directed by Patricio Escobar.
ABOUT DOCTORA STORIES
DoctoraStories, founded by Dr. Sarah A. Schoellkopf, a producer and academic whose research focuses on human rights and gender, produced their first documentary Ferguson Rises in 2021 (Tribeca). Schoellkopf is a champion of Spanish language education in California and is the president of the Eileen & Fred Schoellkopf Foundation. Her doctorate investigated the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo and included field research with the group from the 1990s to 2010s. “NORITA'' is their second documentary project.
ABOUT TIDETIVITY STUDIOS
Tidetivity Studios was founded by Latinx Producer Melissa Daniels. The company produces both commercial and original content that stands at the convergence of art and activism, amplifying marginalized voices that challenge the status quo. Under its former umbrella, We The People, the company produced Venus As A Boy (HULU) which secured an audience award at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. The company has several additional original projects in development including a feature documentary around decorated Olympic Athlete Alysia Montaño and the unprecedented class action lawsuit against the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, CA.
Jane Fonda is a two-time Academy Award-winning actor (Best Actress in 1971 for Klute and in 1978 for Coming Home ), producer, author, activist, and fitness guru. Her career has spanned over 50 years, accumulating a body of film work that includes over 50 films and crucial work on behalf of political causes such as women’s rights, Native Americans, and the environment. She is a seven-time Golden Globe® winner and was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2021. Fonda also recently accepted The Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award at this year’s 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.
Fonda continues to lead the charge on the climate emergency via Fire Drill Fridays, the national movement to protest government inaction on climate change which she started in October 2019 in partnership with Greenpeace USA. In 2022 she launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which is focused on defeating political allies of the fossil fuel industry. Her latest book, “What Can I Do? My Path From Climate Despair To Action” details her personal journey with the movement and provides solutions for communities to combat the climate crisis. Jane also notably celebrated her 85th birthday by raising $1 million for her nonprofit, Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP).
ABOUT THE DIRECTORS
Director Jayson McNamara’s debut feature Messenger on A White Horse screened on Nat Geo Mundo, as well as at film festivals such as Full Frame, BAFICI and LASA. For the last 7 years, Jayson has been documenting the life of Nora Cortiñas after they met at Argentine LGBTQ+ demonstrations - a cause close to Jayson’s heart and one that he reported on during his 7-year tenure as a journalist at the Buenos Aires Herald.
Born in Buenos Aires, Director Andrea Tortonese studied Fine Arts and Cinematographic Arts. She developed as an art and animation director for film and advertising and also as an illustrator in publications and human rights campaigns. She worked for five years with the Madres de Plaza de Mayo Línea Foundadora in the Communication and Archive area where she met Nora Cortiñas. She also directed the art and animation of the political documentaries Qué Deocracia and Bienaventurados, both directed by Patricio Escobar.
ABOUT DOCTORA STORIES
DoctoraStories, founded by Dr. Sarah A. Schoellkopf, a producer and academic whose research focuses on human rights and gender, produced their first documentary Ferguson Rises in 2021 (Tribeca). Schoellkopf is a champion of Spanish language education in California and is the president of the Eileen & Fred Schoellkopf Foundation. Her doctorate investigated the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo and included field research with the group from the 1990s to 2010s. “NORITA'' is their second documentary project.
ABOUT TIDETIVITY STUDIOS
Tidetivity Studios was founded by Latinx Producer Melissa Daniels. The company produces both commercial and original content that stands at the convergence of art and activism, amplifying marginalized voices that challenge the status quo. Under its former umbrella, We The People, the company produced Venus As A Boy (HULU) which secured an audience award at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. The company has several additional original projects in development including a feature documentary around decorated Olympic Athlete Alysia Montaño and the unprecedented class action lawsuit against the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, CA.
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