Am I The Wave? Film Adapts Francisco Goldman's Award-Winning Novel

A Deep Narrative of Connection and Loss

The film explores human connections and the transcendence of affection. This adaptation of Goldman’s award-winning work is helmed by Alejandra Márquez Abella. Manuel García-Rulfo, known for The Lincoln Lawyer and Jurassic World: Rebirth , stars alongside Renata Vaca from K-POP: The Debut .

Bicultural Inspiration and Story Arc

Shot in English, the story moves between Brooklyn and Mexico City. The inspiration comes from Goldman’s real-life relationship with Aura Estrada. She is a talented young Mexican writer. The plot follows Francisco, an American novelist, and Aura, a writer. Aura fights for her identity and life terms. Their bond is intense, humorous, intellectual, and vibrant. A tragic wave in Oaxaca fundamentally changes their destiny.

Alejandra Márquez Abella co-wrote the screenplay with Oscar nominee Scott B. Smith and Francisco Goldman. Her 2018 film, The Good Girls , premiered at Toronto and earned 14 Ariel nominations. Northern Skies Over Empty Space premiered at Berlin in 2023, winning the Ariel for best film. Her latest, A Million Miles Away , co-written and directed for Amazon MGM Studios, features Michael Peña and Rosa Salazar.

Director's Accomplishments

Márquez Abella stated, „' Am I the Wave?' is a film about how love overcomes any obstacle, even death.” She added, „It is an essential narrative in the current era of hostility and confrontation.” She believes the story helps reconnect with human essence. The project bridges Mexico City and Brooklyn landscapes. This love story unites two cultures in an unprecedented way.

Thematic Depth and Cultural Bridge

Juan de Dios Larraín of Fabula Films and William Horberg of Wonderful Films are in the production. Zak Kilberg from The Mauritanian is also involved. Sarah Connors, Russell Smith, and Michael Cleaver are executive producers. Pablo Larraín, Carlos Enrique Cuscó, Ari Taboada, Fernando Lebrija, and Jorge García Castro are part of the team. Obsidian Creek is an Exec Producer.

Production Team and Admiration

William Horberg admired the source material. He noted Goldman’s elemental narrative strength. The words transformed sudden loss into a celebration of eternal love. This attracted Alejandra and the actors. Juan de Dios Larraín expressed excitement about the team. He noted cinema is a collaborative art form.

UTA Independent Film Group organized funding and handles national sales. FilmNation Entertainment manages international distribution. The project received an EFICINE grant from Mexico. It also secured tax credits from Jalisco's tourism board. Manuel García-Rulfo is managed by WME and others. Renata Vaca is represented by Cultured Artists and others. Scott B. Smith is covered by CAA and Circle Mgmt. Francisco Goldman is with CAA. Alejandra Márquez Abella is supported by CAA, Brillstein, and Hansen Jacobson.

Financing and Representation

This production is more than a literary adaptation. It is a deep cultural and emotional exploration. It is a visual dialogue between Brooklyn and Mexico City. It presents a necessary intercultural love story in contemporary cinema.