Barcroft Studios commissioned to produce inspiring conjoined twins film for Channel 4

1 May 2020

Independent factual production company Barcroft Studios today announces a new commission from UK broadcaster Channel 4 to produce a film that explores the issues of identity, immigration and sacrifice faced by American teenage conjoined twins Carmen and Lupita Andrade.

Two Sisters One Body (1 x 60’) is a coming-of-age story of two Omphalopagus twins: a rare conjoined condition. About to leave high school Carmen and Lupita have more than their grades or their medical condition to think about, they are Mexicans in Trump’s America.

In 2002 Carmen and Lupita were born in Mexico and given three days to live.  Doctors made frantic efforts to separate them, but fast-forward 19 years, they're still conjoined and they’re living in small-town Connecticut with their family who gave up their lives in Mexico so that the girls could receive medical treatment.  But as the status of their visa program changes what will that mean for the girls who have known nothing else but life in America? 

Carmen and Lupita are growing up fast but dare not plan too far into the future. These fiercely intelligent and funny young women have spent their whole lives coming to terms with their situation. Both have separate medical issues but any operation the twins undergo would pose serious danger to both of them.

Two Sisters One Body is a powerful and poignant observational documentary that follows Carmen & Lupita at a key turning point in their life as their American dream threatens to come to an end. 

Alf Lawrie, Head of Factual Entertainment at Channel 4, commissioned the film while Executive Producers for Barcroft Studios are John Farrar, Lizzie Wingham and Sam Barcroft. The film was directed, produced and filmed by Jack MacInnes and edited by Craig Cotterill. 

Banijay Rights has the global distribution rights for the film outside the USA.

John Farrar, Barcroft Studios’ Creative Director, said: “There have been films about conjoined twins before but never one told in this way. Two Sisters One Body is a fearless coming of age film following two remarkable sisters at a pivotal moment in their lives. Carmen & Lupita’s condition is extraordinary, but that is not the greatest challenge they face….” 

Alf Lawrie, Head of Factual Entertainment at Channel 4, said: “Barcroft Studios surprising, poignant and thought-provoking film offers more than a glimpse into the lives of conjoined twins. Through the experiences of these ferociously smart women we learn about the toughest challenge they face, being Mexican in Trump’s America.”

###ENDS### 

For more information contact

Kate Conway, kconway@channel4.co.uk

Justin Crosby, justin@boomdialogue.com