Monday, January 8, 2024

Oscar Shortlisted: An Avocado Pit Directed by Ary Zara and Executive Produced by Elliot Page


Directed by Ary Zara and produced by TAKE IT EASY, the captivating short film "AN AVOCADO PIT" invites audiences into the intersecting worlds of Larissa, a trans woman, and Cláudio, a cis man. Ary Zara skillfully crafts a narrative that, with wit and sensitivity, portrays the collision of these two lives in a heartwarming story that is devoid of violence, yet brimming with light and hope.

Adding star power to this compelling project are Executive Producers Elliot Page, Matt Jordan Smith, and Tuck Dowrey from Page's production company, PAGEBOY Productions. The film has already garnered critical acclaim, winning OSCAR qualifying awards at Outfest and the Guadalajara International Film Festival in 2023. The AFI Festival also recognized the film with the Grand Jury Special Mention for Best Lead Acting in 2022, and it received the Best Queer Short Award and the International Student Prize at Festival du Court Métrage de Clermont Ferrand France in 2023.

Shortlisted for a 2024 Academy Award, "AN AVOCADO PIT" is a testament to the creative prowess of TAKE IT EASY, a well-established Portuguese independent production company based in Lisbon. Known for their alternative languages and passion for multi-layered storytelling, TAKE IT EASY has consistently delivered quality productions with a notable presence in national and international festivals.

The film unfolds as an empowering story of love and growth, bringing together two seemingly opposite lives for a beautiful evening of dancing and shared experiences. Executive Producer Elliot Page, a multi-talented figure in the entertainment industry, expressed pride in being part of the project, stating that "AN AVOCADO PIT is exactly the kind of project we at PAGEBOY Productions are drawn to. We are proud to board this short and it is an honor to amplify Ary Zara’s important work."

Founded in 2021, PAGEBOY Productions, led by Elliot Page, aims to develop and produce original, socially responsible stories that prioritize safety, representation, and intersectional equity. The company actively seeks creators and content from underrepresented communities, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable landscape in the entertainment industry. As they continue to pursue storytelling that challenges norms and amplifies marginalized voices, "AN AVOCADO PIT" stands as a shining example of their commitment to impactful and diverse narratives.