Groundbreaking collaboration brings new docu-series ‘Where Is Narumi?’

A powerful partnership and its mission

Oscar-winning production company Fabula, renowned for works like A Fantastic Woman, joins forces with Tana Gilbert, the celebrated Venice Critics’ Week Grand Prize winner for Malqueridas, to develop the stirring documentary series Where Is Narumi?. This series delves into the chilling 2016 murder of Japanese student Narumi Kurosaki, allegedly perpetrated by her ex-partner, Nicolás Zepeda.

Behind the scenes of the collaboration

This project marks an innovative collaboration between Gilbert and the renowned Chilean production house, founded by Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín. Both influential filmmakers have seen recent success with their 2024 Academy Award nominations for El Conde (Best Cinematography) and The Eternal Memory (Best Documentary Feature).

Gilbert’s personal connection to the case adds a unique and profound perspective. She shares, “As a woman and storyteller, I feel a deep responsibility to help break down harmful narratives about women from within.” Gilbert, who attended the same university as Zepeda, plans to leverage her expertise in working with archival materials to scrutinize the digital footprints left by both Zepeda and Kurosaki. Her aim is to shed light on how misogyny festers in digital spaces and can culminate in real-world violence.

A focus on gender violence

Fabula is celebrated for its bold approach to pressing social issues. The company sees “Where Is Narumi?” as a critical project to explore the broader implications of gender violence. This documentary series not only highlights the media, judicial, and political phenomena that arose from this tragic case but also examines societal responses across three continents: America, Europe, and Asia.

The series sets itself apart from typical true crime narratives by addressing what Fabula terms the “mandate of masculinity”—the societal expectations that erroneously link virility to dominance over women. Gilbert’s direction aims to expose early warning signs of aggressive behavior while critically assessing media sensationalism, which often perpetuates a collective societal silence.

Development and production timeline

The writing process for “Where Is Narumi?” is expected to complete by April 2025, with production slated to commence in the latter half of 2025. The project is envisioned as a Chilean-French co-production with strong ties to Japan, a nation integrally linked to the narrative. Seeking funding and creative contributions, the team will present the project at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF).

The powerhouse team

The collaboration enlists seasoned professionals from Fabula’s illustrious team. Mariane Hartard, the executive production director for film and TV, and Sofía Libkind, the creative development head, bring their extensive experience to the forefront. Rocío Jadue, who manages Fabula’s Latin-American film division and has previously produced the Oscar-winning A Fantastic Woman, will also play a crucial role.

Pioneering a new narrative approach

“Where Is Narumi?” is poised to significantly impact how documentary series explore and narrate stories of gender violence. By focusing on the intersection of digital footprints and misogyny, and challenging the media’s role in sensationalizing such tragedies, this series endeavors to foster a deeper understanding and drive meaningful change.

As the project moves forward, the anticipation builds around how Gilbert and Fabula will weave together personal accounts, archival materials, and expert insights to create a series that promises not only to inform but also to provoke critical reflection and discourse.

Share this article on social media to support this groundbreaking project and stay tuned for more updates as this compelling series unfolds.