Nala puts faith in novel

Shingle rounds up pic rights to 'Magdalena'

By CHRIS GARDNER

Nala Films has acquired feature film rights to William Valtos' novel "La Magdalena." Shingle has signed helmer Simon Brand to direct and Ronni Kern to adapt.

Production is being eyed to start in early fall in Spain.

Nala also just acquired the graphic novel "Long Dark Train" by Sam Hiti. The supernatural horror project centers on a train making a journey to hell. Nala is negotiating with a writer to adapt for the screen.

"La Magdalena" centers on an American police officer under investigation in the U.S. by internal affairs for his behavior during a terrorist bombing. He flees to Spain, where he encounters a mysterious nun known only as La Magdalena. The encounter turns his escape into an investigation of the mysterious world of early Christianity.

Barnet Bain of Barnet Bain Prods. is producing along with Nala principals Emilio Diez Barroso and Darlene Caamano Loquet. Diez Barroso and Caamano Loquet also are shepherding "Long Dark Train."

Brand made his feature directorial debut on "Unknown," due for release later this year from the Weinstein Co. and IFC Films.

Nala Films recently wrapped production on "The Air I Breathe." Kern penned Lifetime telepic "Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story."