Film4, whose recent credits include American Honey, Free Fire, as well as Oscar winners Ex Machina, 12 Years a Slave and Slumdog Millionaire, are to adapt a feminist fantasy saga for the big screen.
Maresi, published in Finland two years ago, is the opening episode in author Maria Turtschaninoff’s Red Abbey Chronicles, set in a refuge for women and girls. The titular character is a 13-year-old who fights to defend herself and her community after it comes under attack by a vengeful grieving woman.
US publication of the book is set for January, with the second instalment of the saga due to be published in Finland a year later. No date for release of the film has been given.
“I cannot say that this is a dream come true for me — it exceeds all my dreams” said Turtschaninoff. “I am so happy that Maresi is in such good hands with Film4.”
