From Executive Producers Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”), Jaron Varsano (“Cleopatra”) and Academy Award®-Winning Filmmaker Vanessa Roth (“Freeheld”), New Short-Form Documentary Series Follows Six Exceptional Women Making an Impact in Their Communities
IMPACT WITH GAL GADOT Premieres April 19, 2021, Across National Geographic’s Digital and Social Platforms, With Full-Length Broadcast Premiere in June 2021
In the heart of some of the most difficult circumstances in the world, there exist beacons of hope. National Geographic Presents: IMPACT WITH GAL GADOT is a compelling new six-part short-form documentary series from executive producers Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”), Jaron Varsano (“Cleopatra”), Academy Award-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth (“Freeheld”), Entertainment One’s (eOne) Tara Long (Emmy®-nominated “L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later”) and RPC’s Ryan Pallota that follows the powerful stories of resilient young women around the globe who overcome obstacles and do extraordinary things.
IMPACT follows inspiring women living in communities marred by violence, poverty, trauma, discrimination, oppression and natural disasters, and yet, against all odds, dare to dream, stand out, speak up and lead. National Geographic announced today the stories of the six brave women featured in the series, which include a 19 year old college studentin Puerto Rico who, after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, is on a mission to ensure that every person struggling has access to clean and safe water; a trauma therapist in Half Moon Bay, California, who lost her twin sister to COVID-19 and is turning her grief to impact by healing women through surf therapy; a formally homeless transwoman in Memphis, Tennessee, who is building houses for other transgender women in need of homes; a ballerina in the most dangerous area of Brazil, who through dance has created a community that lifts young girls towards a better future; a figure skater who has broken barriers in her sport and dedicates her life to coaching and empowering young girls of color on and off the ice; and the first female chief of a coastal southern Louisiana tribe, who is expected to be among the first climate refugees in the United States, as she impacts the legacy of her ancestors, the lives of her community today and the future of her people.
National Geographic Presents: IMPACT WITH GAL GADOT premieres April 19, 2021, across National Geographic’s digital and social platforms. The documentary shorts will first release digitally and then culminate in a full-length documentary special to premiere on the National Geographic channel globally in 172 countries and 43 languages in June 2021.
Click here to download the trailer.
“These are important, powerful stories of brave women demonstrating compassion, humanity, and resilience that deserve to be told and celebrated,” said Gadot. “I feel it is both my honor and duty to give these remarkable women from around the world a platform to showcase the work they are doing in the face of overwhelming hardships. More than ever, we need to see the good that is being done by everyday people in extraordinary circumstances. I am a big believer in the ripple effect, and with this project we aim to create a community for people who want to help others. I’m proud to have the opportunity to help amplify their voices, and I hope viewers are left as inspired and empowered as I am.”
Episodes Include:
Please note: episode titles and episode order are not final.
Episode 1: San Juan, Puerto Rico, U.S.A.
Discover the inspiring story of Arianna, a 19-year-old woman leading a team of college students who invented a water filtration system. They are giving the people of Puerto Rico access to clean, drinkable water after years of living with toxic water after the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017 and lack of government assistance.
Episode 2: Half Moon Bay, California, U.S.A.
Kelsey of Half Moon Bay, California, is driven by two passions: surfing and helping people through grief and trauma. After losing her twin sister to COVID, Kelsey turns her grief into impact by healing others through a special surf therapy program that she started for women suffering from the effects of human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, grief and loss.
Episode 3: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Meet Kayla, who has dedicated her life to helping homeless transgender women of color in Memphis, Tennessee. Having experienced homelessness and violence herself, Kayla has created a safe community for these notoriously discriminated-against people. She is building more than two dozen houses across Memphis for transwomen that need safety and a place to call home.
Episode 4: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Witness the inspiring story of Tuany, a 23-year-old ballet dancer who started a dance company for young girls in the middle of one of Rio De Janeiro’s most dangerous favelas. She gives students hope for a better future and a safe space away from the violent world around them.
Episode 5: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
Follow the story of Kameryn, a 20-year-old figure skating coach in Detroit who has dedicated her life to coaching young girls of color to empower them both on and off the ice.
Episode 6: Grand Caillou/Dulac, Louisiana, U.S.A.
Meet Shirell, the first female chief of her southern Louisiana tribe. Her ancestors have lived on the land for hundreds of years, and they are now expected to be among the United States’ first climate refugees. Shirell can’t stop the storms, but she is impacting the legacy of her ancestors, the lives of her community today and the future of her people.
About Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot is an award-winning actress who is rapidly emerging as one of Hollywood’s most engaging and sought-after talents. She debuted as Diana/Wonder Woman in the blockbuster “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” In 2017, she starred again in the role in the first-ever “Wonder Woman” feature, which was the highest-grossing film of the season. This past December, Gadot starred in and produced the highly anticipated sequel, “Wonder Woman 1984” for Warner Bros. Along with IMPACT WITH GAL GADOT, she has numerous upcoming projects, which include the following: starring as Cleopatra in an upcoming film for Paramount Motion Pictures; the lead role in “Heart of Stone,” an espionage thrilled developed by Skydance Media and directed by Tom Harper, which Netflix has acquired worldwide rights; Fox’s remake of “Death on the Nile,” alongside Kenneth Branagh, releasing on Sept. 17, 2021; the Netflix action thrilled “Red Notice,” opposite Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Ryan Reynolds, premiering in the Fall of 2021; Set to produce “My Dearest Fidel” alongside Sue Kroll and Jaron Varsano, in which she is also in talks to star in the film; star in and executive produce a Showtime series based on the life and career of Hedy Lamarr; her production company, Pilot Wave, will produce the historical thriller “Irena Sendler” in which Gadot will star as the title character for Warner Bros. Additionally, Pilot Wave is developing a U.S. version of the hit Israeli series “Queens” with Endemol Shine North America.
Her other film credits include Shank in Disney’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet”; Warner Bros. “Justice League” opposite Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck and Ezra Miller; Gisele in “Fast & Furious,” “Fast Five,” “Fast & Furious” and “Furious 7”; John Hillcoat’s “Triple 9,” with Kate Winslet and Woody Harrelson; Ariel Vromen’s action film “Criminal,” with Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Costner and Gary Oldman; and the comedy “Keeping Up with the Joneses,” opposite Jon Hamm, Isla Fisher and Zach Galifianakis.
Varsano is currently producing “My Dearest Fidel,” “Irena Sendler,” “Cleopatra” and “Hedy Lamarr.”
About Vanessa Roth
Roth is an Academy Award, Emmy Honors, DuPont-Columbia and Sundance Award-Winning non-fiction filmmaker with over 25 years of creating documentary features, series and shorts. Among her dozens of social impact films, she is the executive producer, writer and director of the Emmy Honors winning international series, “Daughters of Destiny” (NETFLIX Originals), Oscar® winner for her film “Freeheld” (HBO), and is currently directing the upcoming premium documentary“Mary J Blige’s My Life” (Amazon Originals). Her international work has garnered the highest of honors in documentary, film, television and journalism with over 60 awards, including the Oscar, The Television Academy Emmy Award for Social Impact, Sundance Prizes, Cine Golden Eagles, Casey Medals, Impact Doc Awards for Best in Show and Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking, IDA nominations, audience awards and jury prizes at festivals around the world, as well as top honors for work in social impact, social justice, witness to history, legacy, youth empowerment and women’s rights.
IMPACT is produced by Pilot Wave Motion Pictures, eOne and RPC Films. For Pilot Wave Motion Pictures, Gadot and Varsano are executive producers. For eOne, Tara Long serves as executive producer; Vanessa Roth serves as executive producer and director of the series. For RPC Films, Ryan Pallota serves as executive producer for the series and director for the pilot episode; Ana De Diego is executive producer of episode four. Eric Levin, global chief content officer, Spark, is executive producer. For National Geographic, Ryan Harrington is executive producer; Alan Eyres is senior vice president, production and development; and Carolyn Bernstein is executive vice president, global scripted content and documentary films.
About National Geographic Partners
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 133 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27% of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
About Entertainment One
Entertainment One Ltd. (eOne) is a talent-driven independent studio that specializes in the development, acquisition, production, financing, distribution and sales of entertainment content. As part of global play and entertainment company Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS), eOne’s expertise spans across film, television and music production and sales; family programming, merchandising and licensing; digital content; and live entertainment. Through its extensive reach and scale, and a deep commitment to high-quality entertainment, eOne unlocks the power and value of creativity.
eOne brings to market both original and existing content, sourcing IP from Hasbro’s portfolio of 1500+ brands, and through a diversified network of creative partners and eOne companies.
Media Contacts
Jenn DeGuzman, 212-456-5714, jennifer.deguzman@natgeo.com
Lindsay Drewel, 202-627-8100, lindsay@lindsaydrewelpr.com
Molly Mulrain, 610-202-6782, molly@lindsaydrewelpr.com