Fortissimo Films announced today its acquisition of international sales rights to Lech Majewski’s (THE MILL & THE CROSS, THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS, BASQUIAT) spectacular and otherworldly science-fiction feature VALLEY OF THE GODS. The film, which is set to commence principal photography in Q1 2016, will star Josh Hartnett (BLACK HAWK DOWN, 40 DAY AND NIGHTS, LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN, VIRGIN SUICIDES). He currently stars in the Showtime series PENNY DREADFUL. Additional cast is set to be announced at the upcoming 2015 AFM.
VALLEY OF THE GODS is an epically imaginative tale that intertwines an ancient Najavo legend with the narratives of John Ecas (Hartnett), a writer with an unbridled imagination, Wes Tauros, the richest man on earth, and Grey Horse, a feisty young Indian. John, also the films narrator, possesses the astounding ability to alter reality, launching the narrative into the realm of spectacular fantasy. The film follows the three narratives as the characters attempt to escape the inevitable drama that is about to unfold when supernatural visions ultimately clash with impending reality. Masterfully linking together the ordinary with the extraordinary, Majewski creates a fascinating, mysterious and idiosyncratic vision of America.
An established filmmaker and artist in his own right, Majewski also penned the film’s screenplay. His individual retrospectives have featured in a variety of galleries and museums, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York City, The National Gallery in Washington D.C. and The Louvre in Paris.
The deal was finalized by Fortissimo’s Senior Vice-President of Acquisitions, Berenice Fugard and Royal Road Entertainment’s Filip Jan Rymsza.
Upon confirming the deal, Fugard commented, “The unique and extraordinary universe of Valley of the Gods promises to be a stunning cinematic experience. It is a thrill to be part of it.”
Royal Road Entertainment’s Filip Jan Rymsza continued, “Lech is bringing the rich, visual language he honed on THE MILL & THE CROSS to a story writ large in imagination and scope."
The film is produced by Royal Road Entertainment’s (BLUE BLOOD, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND) Filip Jan Rymsza and Carla Rosen-Vacher, Lech Majewski on behalf of Angelus Silesius (THE MILL & THE CROSS) and The Safran Company’s (THE CONJURING, ANNABELLE) Natalia Safran.
Sales for the highly anticipated feature will commence immediately in Toronto and continue into the 2015 American Film Market.