Norma Joyce Dougherty’s biography, Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit, is currently in development for a feature film. A true story of overcoming adversity, Norma Joyce knows all about the glitz and glamour that many women want. As a former Miss Dominion of Canada and contestant in Miss World, Miss Universe, Queen of the Pacific, and a semi-finalist in Miss International, beauty represented an escape to a better life. But all that glitters is not gold.

The entire Chasing Eden team looks forward to bringing Norma Joyce's powerful story to the big screen.


Feature Film

Chasing Eden

After experiencing traumatic abuse, a beautiful teenage girl finds escape and restoration in the international pageant world, only to realize there is no meaningful value in the limelight. Struggling to find her true identity, she is forced to examine her life and find her voice to rescue herself and her daughter.

"Beauty is as beauty does..."



Norma Joyce, crowned Miss Dominion of Canada, and her mother circa 1970

Meet our producer...

Ann Marie Sanderlin

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Ann Marie brings dynamic vision, tenacity, and knowledge to her film projects, and her movies have grossed over half a billion dollars worldwide.

As Producer and past President of Gunn Films for ten years, she oversaw all aspects of creative development: original concepts, hiring writers, giving notes/guiding the story, pitches, and sales to financiers, as well as negotiating book and life-rights adaptation purchases. She also produced each movie from green-light, pre-production, production, post, musical score and distribution/marketing.

Chasing Eden is an award-winning screenplay!

Chasing Eden was a multi-finalist selection at the 2021 International Christian Film Festival and an award winner in the 2021 Christian Film Festival. Chasing Eden also received nomination for “Best Screenplay” at the 2022 Canadian International Faith and Family Festival”.

Meet our screenwriter...

Sam Sorbo

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Sam Sorbo is a Hollywood actress, screenwriter, film producer, international fashion model, nationally syndicated radio show host, and author.

The screenplay for Chasing Eden has adapted Norma Joyce’s story beautifully and has received multiple accolades including the nomination for “Best Screenplay” from the 2022 Canadian International Faith and Family Festival”.

The entire Chasing Eden team looks forward to bringing this important story to the big screen.

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