Daniel Junge Executive Produces Abner Benaim Documentary on Ultimate Traveler

Oscar and Emmy-winning director Daniel Junge is executive producing a new documentary from Panamanian filmmaker Abner Benaim, according to Variety. The untitled project follows the extraordinary life and ongoing travels of Panamanian lawyer and diplomat Jaime Alemán.

Who is the documentary about?

Jaime Alemán is the first person in history to complete the Triple Grand Slam of Travel. This achievement involves visiting all 193 United Nations-recognized countries, trekking to both the North and South Poles, and traveling to space. Now 72, he became the first Panamanian in space during a Blue Origin suborbital mission last year.

What does the film explore?

While the film chronicles Alemán's external adventures, director Abner Benaim says its core is an inward journey. "At first glance, it's an extraordinary travel story," Benaim told Variety. "But for me, that's just the vehicle. The real journey is inward. It's about Jaime's psyche, his vulnerability, his fears (and how he overcomes them), and what drives someone to keep moving." The crew will follow Alemán on an upcoming expedition to Tristan da Cunha, one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth, slated for April next year. He also aims to visit the coldest and hottest places on the planet.

What is the production status?

Principal photography is well underway. "We already shot in the Azores, Brazil, Toronto and Panama, and will be shooting shortly in Bangkok, Bhutan and Pakistan," Benaim said.