Video Interview with director Yulene Olaizola and cinematographer Sofía Oggioni on “Tragic Jungle”

“Tragic Jungle” (“Selva Trágica”) is set in the early 1920s on the Mexican/Belize border where one of the most powerful forestry industries emerged: the rubber tree exploitation. Everything changes when a group of Mexican rubber tree farmers cross paths with Agnes, a mysterious Belizean woman. 

Director Yulene Olaizola and cinematographer Sofía Oggioni explore boundaries between fiction and reality. For their challenging journey through the Central American jungle, the ARRI ALEXA Mini was chosen as the crew’s reliable companion.

Produced by Malacosa Cine & Varios Lobos and coproduced by Manny Films, Contravia Films, Zoología Fantástica, and Barraca Producciones, the film was selected by ARRI’s International Support Program. Camera and lighting equipment was serviced by CTT EXP & Rentals, Mexico City.

Yulene Olaizola, born in Mexico City, drew attention with her first film, the documentary “Shakespeare & Victor Hugo’s Intimacies” which received more than 30 awards. Three feature films followed and premiered successfully at international film festivals: “Artificial Paradise” (2010), “Fogo” (2012), “Epitaph” (2015). Olaizola’s films are strongly inspired by specific places. Her fascination for the southern jungle of Quintana Roo, the peculiar cultural mix of the population, and the Mayan myths and legends served as inspiration for “Tragic Jungle.”