Helsinki-based production company It’s Alive Films has boarded upcoming “Copernicus Secrets” as ca o-producer, joining Orka Studio’s Magdalena Zimecka (Poland) and 4film’s Anita Juka (Croatia.)
Recently, Orka co-produced Naomi Watts survival drama “Infinite Storm” by Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert, as well as Marta Minorowicz’s “Illusion.”
“We like to try new things and we have never been involved in this kind of co-production before. Copernicus was an intellectual giant, whose vision had a tremendous effect on modern science. In a way, this story has been relevant since the 15th century,” said Finland’s Jani Pösö.
Running It’s Alive Films alongside director and longtime collaborator Teemu Nikki, Pösö is also behind “Euthanizer,” Finland’s 2018 Oscar submission, Venice-winning “The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic” or children’s film “Snot & Splash – The Mystery of Disappearing Holes,” starring Pekka Strang.
Currently, the duo is shopping their new feature “100 Liters of Gold.” Presented at the Nordic Film Market, it shows two sisters famous for their Finnish farmhouse ale called “sahti”. When the third sister decides to get married, they set out to produce 100 liters of the beverage. But it’s so good, they end up drinking it all – just before the wedding.
“We have already worked with Orka on ‘Snot & Splash,’ but we actually started talking about co-producing [a project together] back in 2019. They have a perfect can-do attitude and ‘Copernicus’ has the potential to travel like hell,” added Pösö.
“His story is a part of European history and one that has loads of untold details.”
Nicolaus Copernicus, born in 1473, was a Polish astronomer. He proposed that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. But the film, written by Teodor Kosch – also serving as creative producer – and overseen by producer Hélène Zaleski of Lutetia Film, won’t be a “typical historical or biographical film.” Michał Oleszczyk has been tapped as script consultant.
Teodor Kosch and Jani Pösö
“The purpose of our project is not only to present his genius, but also to show, through this outstanding figure, dynamic changes that took place in Europe in the 15th and 16th century,” said Kosch. The Polish Film Institute has backed the screenplay.
“It’s about the divisions between the Eastern and Western world, revealing old feuds, provoked by different interests of empires whose traditions are now being continued. In outlining these mechanisms, we also won’t shy away from showing the process of falsification of history. It was useful to certain forces in the 15th century. Today, it also has dangerous potential.”
Kosch called Copernicus “an influencer of his time and a rebellious idol followed by crowds.”
“This film gives us an opportunity to present the fate of one of the most famous Polish scientists under the disguise of adventure cinema, but it also serves as a wonderful metaphor, exploring historical rules that still affect our modern times.”
Orka’s Magdalena Zimecka observed: “We’ve tried our best to be a strong co-producing partner for years now. Our post-production facilities and our own VFX team allow us to carry out technologically demanding projects.”
“We are committed to being in every project from the very beginning, also because it’s a pleasure to observe the creative process already at the development stage. Our cooperation with Lutetia fits the bill perfectly. We really believe in ‘Copernicus.’ This character rules! Especially in this incarnation.”
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