In a time dominated by dazzling action movies and spine-chilling horror flicks, Kit Rich has demonstrated that sometimes, a compelling narrative, relatable individuals, and a message filled with optimism is what truly draws attention. To honor the official unveiling of Isabel’s Garden, a touching story of loss, affection, and family bonds, around 200 film enthusiasts congregated at The Laemmle Royal in Los Angeles on January 2nd, stepping into the new year with tears of joy and a renewed sense of hope.
Produced by Iris Tuesday Productions, a venture created by Kit along with her spouse Manuel Rafael Lozano, this optimistic family drama is more than just a visually appealing film; it marks the directorial debut of Kit, a tribute to her enduring passion for creativity. The premiere event—staged just ahead of the film’s launch on streaming services on January 3rd—welcomed fans, cast members, crew, and journalists to enjoy an emotional viewing experience in a cozy atmosphere.
Summary: After achieving remarkable success at various film festivals, Isabel’s Garden concluded its pre-release chapter with an exclusive premiere in Los Angeles on January 2nd.
The premiere celebrated Isabel’s Garden’s outstanding performances on both local and international film festival circuits, where the film, along with Kit and the cast, received 9 awards and 5 additional nominations. This includes Best Director honors from the Los Angeles IFS Film Festival and the California Women’s Film Festival, along with accolades such as Best Narrative Feature from the Cordillera International Film Festival, Best Feature Film from The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, and the Audience Award for Best Feature Film from the Los Angeles Film Festival.
The strong foundation for this successful journey stems from Kit’s relentless dedication to challenging conventional norms in indie filmmaking. “When the lights came on after the premiere, the emotions and teary expressions of the audience conveyed everything,” Kit reflects. “Isabel’s Garden holds a unique place in our hearts.”
A poignant drama that resonates deeply, Isabel’s Garden embodies a message of hope—illuminating the darkest of paths. At the core of this narrative is Maya, a journalist discovering how to navigate life following the death of her husband, Diego. Alongside her journey, the audience meets Isabel, Maya’s teenage stepdaughter, Christina, Diego’s former partner and Isabel’s mother, along with other supporting figures, all contributing to this profound tale of blended family dynamics, loss, sorrow, and healing.
The premiere marks this film’s triumph over life’s inherent obstacles. “We attempted to promote a drama during a pandemic,” Manuel chuckles. “We dealt with studio closures, investors withdrawing unexpectedly, and certainly faced numerous challenges.” Nevertheless, Kit’s passion kept this vision alive—even if it involved a transformation from writer to writer-director to writer-director-marketer without any prior industry knowledge.
“One realization I came to is that art, whether it be film, music, or visual arts, is a living entity. It is up to the creator—the guardian—to determine how far it develops. Regardless of the obstacles we encountered, Isabel’s Garden, for some unexplained reason, persisted,” Kit shares. “This experience has been an incredible lesson, teaching me to pay heed to these subtle hints of promise—signs that, even when faced with adversity, provide the energy to keep moving forward.”
A brutally honest yet enchanting mixture of sorrow, happiness, affection, and self-discovery, Isabel’s Garden is only the beginning. With fresh artistic endeavors on the horizon, Kit Rich is committed to continuing to redefine independent filmmaking, placing emphasis on character evolution, meaningful storytelling, and optimism.
“Now that I have created a film and witnessed its success at festivals, the premiere, and online, I possess a vision I lacked previously,” the director concludes. “I envision the stunning visuals, the creative articulation, and the feelings I want to imbue in my next project. Ultimately, the world requires upliftment, and I aspire to contribute my part from behind the camera.”
