Critically acclaimed Czech director Václav Marhoul is currently filming his fourth feature-length project in Los Angeles, a departure from the visual style of his 2019 international breakthrough, “The Painted Bird.” While the cast remains undisclosed under an embargo set by distributor Bioscop, details emerging from the set suggest a dialog-driven, indoor production slated to wrap on December 19th. The film-produced by Bonfire Legend and featuring Oscar-winning cinematographer Peter Menzies Jr.-marks a new stylistic direction for Marhoul, known for his visually arresting and award-winning work.
The complete cast of an upcoming film remains under wraps, according to Jana Šafářová, Marketing Director for Bioscop, the film’s distributor.
Filming is currently underway in Los Angeles, with all sets and scenery constructed in studio locations. Production began on November 23rd and is scheduled to wrap on Friday, December 19th.
“I have to say, this film is a real challenge for me from a directorial standpoint,” said director Václav Marhoul. “In terms of production, it’s the complete opposite of ‘The Painted Bird.’ While that film emphasized visuals and minimal dialogue, this one is primarily driven by dialogue and takes place entirely indoors.” He added that the project represents a genre he hasn’t explored before.
Dallas Sonnier, founder of Bonfire Legend, is producing the film. Sonnier is known for championing distinctive, auteur-driven projects and collaborating with renowned filmmakers. Peter Menzies Jr., an Oscar winner for his work on ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ is serving as the cinematographer.
The new film marks the fourth feature-length project directed by Václav Marhoul. Following his debut, ‘Mazaný Filip’ (2003), and the war drama ‘Tobruk’ (2008) – which together earned five Czech Lion Awards – he achieved international acclaim with ‘The Painted Bird’ (2019), which garnered a total of nine Czech Lion Awards, including Best Film and Best Director.
Foto: Bonfire Legend
A new Václav Marhoul film is currently in production in Los Angeles, but details surrounding the project – including the cast – are being closely guarded. According to Bioscop, the film’s distributor, an embargo is in place regarding the complete ensemble.
The production, a Bonfire Legend project, began on November 23rd and is slated to conclude on December 19th, with all sets built within Los Angeles studio spaces. This marks a significant shift in style for Marhoul, whose critically acclaimed 2019 film, “The Painted Bird,” was lauded for its striking visuals and sparse dialogue.
“I have to say, this film is a real challenge for me from a directorial standpoint,” Marhoul stated. “In terms of production, it’s the complete opposite of ‘The Painted Bird.’ While that film emphasized visuals and minimal dialogue, this one is primarily driven by dialogue and takes place entirely indoors.” He also noted that he’s venturing into a new genre with this project.
The film is being produced by Dallas Sonnier, the founder of Bonfire Legend, a production company known for supporting unique, artist-driven films and working with established filmmakers. Oscar-winning cinematographer Peter Menzies Jr. (“Mad Max: Fury Road”) is handling the camera work.
Marhoul’s latest venture follows a successful career that includes his debut, “Mazaný Filip” (2003), and the war drama “Tobruk” (2008), which collectively earned five Czech Lion Awards. His international breakthrough came with “The Painted Bird,” which received nine Czech Lion Awards, including honors for Best Film and Best Director. The announcement signals another exciting chapter for the director, known for his bold and visually arresting storytelling.
