For Immediate Release
Award-Winning director Javor Gardev attached to direct the Greek mythology epic “Theseus” for Kalliope Films
NEW YORK, NY — Award-Winning director Javor Gardev (“Zift”), has been chosen to direct the Greek mythology epic “Theseus” for Kalliope Films (“Hansel and Gretel in 3D”). Javor is currently serving on the main jury of the 2012 Moscow International Film Festival.
The movie portrays the myth of the legendary Greek hero Theseus, who is most famously known for his battle with King Minos’ Minotaur, housed in the Cretian labyrinth. However, this film incorporates elements of the original Theseus myth as told by the ancient Greek historian Plutarch. Therefore, in addition to the Minotaur, the film will also unveil to audiences lesser known monsters (which appear in Plutarch’s version of the tale) such as the Six Chthonic Monsters of the Isthmus of Corinth.
“I like the fact that the script infuses the Theseus story with so many events and even whole branches of the Greek mythological canon. It’s almost a compendium,” said Javor. He added, “When I was a child I had a dream to star in a sword and sandals epic. Now that I’m being given the exceptional opportunity to direct one, I intend to plunge into it and activate all of my imagination, to create an exciting visual feast and turn this movie into an incredible adventure.”
Joseph C. Pepe, the lead character designer from “Avatar” will be designing the mythic creatures showcased in Theseus. Korey Cauchon (VFX producer of Immortals, Sucker Punch, Spiderman 2, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer) will be producing the VFX for the film. The script was written by producer/writer Kira Madallo Sesay (producer/writer of Hansel and Gretel in 3D). Kira will be producing Theseus on behalf of Kalliope Films. A casting search is currently underway to find an actor to star as the legendary Greek hero Theseus.
“We want our film to break the mold of previous Greek mythological movie adaptions, yet stay faithful to the ancient story of the Theseus myth, which has been beloved for centuries. We believe that Javor is the perfect choice to bring a unique and original spin to this genre, while still respecting and incorporating the elements of the Theseus myth which fans love,” said Kira Madallo Sesay.
“Theseus” will be the follow up to Javor’s critically acclaimed directorial debut, “Zift”, which was the official Bulgarian submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. Zift was also selected to 50 International Film Festivals (such as Toronto and SXSW) and is the winner of 19 Awards around the world, including Best Director at the Moscow International Film Festival.
Additionally, Javor is a renowned European theater director (King Lear, The Tempest, Marat/Sade, Caligula) and has won prestigious awards including Best Director, for his work. Furthermore, Javor is a personally approved director of the Tony Award-Winning playwright Edward Albee’s plays. Edward Albee attended and endorsed Javor’s production in Sofia, Bulgaria of The Goat or Who is Sylvia? Javor has also directed plays by Tony Award-Winning Irish playwright Martin McDonagh such as The Pillowman and A Behanding in Spokane. Javor is currently directing a theater production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Kalliope Films is currently in production on “In My Father’s Footsteps” a faith-based documentary film about WWE international wrestling superstar Ted DiBiase Jr., directed by Gregory Louis Carter. They are in post-production on “Wrestling With Faith.” This film is also directed by Carter and is a biographical documentary about WWE Hall of Fame wrestling superstar turned Christian minister, “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. Kalliope Films is also producing the upcoming Vincent Van Gogh biopic feature film entitled “Van Gogh” and “Hansel and Gretel in 3D,” a live-action version of the beloved Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale.
About Kalliope Films:
Kalliope Films is a film production company founded by producer/writer Kira Madallo Sesay. The company’s mission is to produce high quality and entertaining feature films of varying genres for an international audience. Always open to new ideas and collaborations, the company works in conjunction with various international co-producers. Kalliope Films has offices in Europe and the U.S. The company’s name is a homage to Kalliope, the Greek mythological muse of epic poetry. Kalliope is renowned for inspiring writers. She is also known as “Homer’s muse” because she inspired him in his writing of the Iliad and the Odyssey.
For more information please visit: www.KalliopeFilms.com