The Roots Founder Ariel Leon Isacovitch on Producing "Bucking Fastard" and Opening a Colombia Office

Sep. 29, 2026

Producing is about partnership and being inventive for the sake of creativity. This perspective has defined how The Roots founder/EP Ariel León Isacovitch approaches his work: with equal parts fearlessness, passion, and curiosity and the drive to help creative partners tell their stories. This is evident in current milestones: Isacovitch’s role as a producer of “Bucking Fastard,” written and directed by acclaimed Werner Herzog, and the opening of a new office for The Roots in Colombia. 

Ariel said:

“This year has exemplified the power of creative partnerships, from the journey on this incredible film to opening a new office to further support our clients and industry. There’s nothing like supporting storytellers – and discovering ways to execute ideas, which is definitely my deepest passion.”

 

Currently enjoying a critically acclaimed festival run, “Bucking Fastard” is a story that acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog has long wanted to tell. Featuring real-life siblings Rooney Mara and Kate Mara alongside Orlando Bloom and Domhnall Gleeson, the film is the story of sisters who start digging a tunnel through a mountain range in search of a land where love is possible. 

Each film’s journey always has its own backstory, and this one has its origins in Patagonia. While on a trip there, Herzog spoke with Isacovitch about a longtime script in the making – inspired by real sisters who speak in unison. Herzog and Isacovitch began seeking financing for “Bucking Fastard” in early 2024 – a path that ultimately led them to investor and philanthropist Clara Wu Tsai, and, with her support, the process to realize the story that Herzog has called an operatic triptych with his previous films, “Fitzcarraldo” and “Grizzly Man.” 

Isacovitch and Herzog first worked together on “Nomad: In The Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin,” his 2019 documentary about the English-born writer and journalist. Since then, they have finished and premiered five films, including 2025’s “Ghost Elephants,” following Dr. Steve Boyes, a conservation biologist and National Geographic Explorer in search of a mysterious, elusive herd, and with a new one currently in postproduction. 

Herzog said in more than one press conference around the world:

"Our connection exists in that rare space between friendship and absolute partnership. Ariel is not merely my right hand, but my left hand, my feet, and, on occasion, my very mind."

 

Simultaneous to the Venice, Telluride, TIFF and NYFF 2026 world premieres of “Bucking Fastard,” The Roots is also launching its new office in Medellín, Colombia. A production hotspot long known for its exceptional crews, authentically diverse casting, and varied locations, Colombia marks an important creative expansion for The Roots, which has offices in Chile, Uruguay, Mexico and Argentina. 

Carlos Llergo, Head of Production, The Roots Mexico & Colombia, loves the puzzle of fitting an ambitious idea into a real action plan without sanding down what made it ambitious. 

Llergo said:

“Clients don't think in borders anymore. They think in looks, schedules and budgets. The Roots already operates across Mexico, Chile, Uruguay and Argentina, and Colombia completes the map. In a few hours, you can go from Caribbean coast to Andean highlands to Amazon jungle to colonial streets to a modern metropolis, with a world class crew base, competitive costs and an attractive incentive framework. It isn't just a new address. It's the same team, the same standards and the same point of contact clients already trust in Mexico, now able to say yes to Colombia.”

 

The Roots applies and acts as an independent brand, which is not worldwide and does not aspire to be one, but a more borderless perspective and deep experience producing content for all screens, from documentaries to stills and advertising campaigns. Among the many recent projects, Tim Burton's “Dead Dance” video for Lady Gaga, and “The Portal of Force”, a sci-fi feature shot across Durango, as well as commercials for Icy Hot with Shaquille O’Neal, McDonald’s with Jason Sudekas, Chili’s with Lizzo and Vaseline with Regina King among others. 

Emphasizing the service in service production, The Roots network of producers, crews, equipment houses, researchers, scouts and casting directors deliver quality, attention and hospitality that builds long-term relationships.