Scorses
Martin Scorsese is aiming to make Japan-set passion project "Silence" his next film, the helmer declared Sunday at the fifth Marrakech Film Festival in Morocco.
Adaptation of a Japanese novel by Shusaku Endo is the martyrdom-themed tale of two 17th century Portuguese missionaries who return to Japan to minister to Christians, who've been outlawed. Project is being moved by Initial Entertainment Group's chief Graham King, Scorsese told
Daily Variety.
Initial produced the Martin Scorsese directed "The Departed" and co-financed "Gangs of New York," selling overseas rights. It inked a first-look deal at Warner Bros. earlier this year.
"I hope it comes together. I've been trying to make the movie for 10 years," Scorsese said at a press conference.
He had originally intended to direct it after "Gangs" but then "got distracted by the informing theme of 'Departed,' " he added.
The "Aviator" director, who shot parts of "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "Kundun" in Morocco, proved the main draw at the Marrakech fest's opening ceremony Friday, where he received a tribute. He's also giving a master class at a new festival-based culture-bridging exchange program organized by the Tribeca Film Institute and the Marrakech festival.
Scorsese's latest pic, "No Direction Home: Bob Dylan," played at the fest Saturday.
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