LucBesson.Fr reports that two Brazilian brothers have secured $1m investment from Luc Besson's studio EuropaCorp for the European company's first co-production in Latin America.
The deal, announced at the Rio International Film Festival, is for a drugs-based thriller called "Federal" which was written, produced and potentially directed by Erik and Christian de Castro in their first attempt at feature-length fiction after the well-received documentary" Senta A Pua!"
Besson's partner Pierre-Ange Le Pogam flew to Rio to sign the contract with the de Castros production company BSB Cinema last week. He said: "It fits exactly the kind of projects EuropaCorp is looking for as it takes its production activity beyond its roots in France and Europe."
Set in Brasilia, the film aims to be a contemporary crime thriller that also probes Brazilian society and culture.
Federal's total budget will be $2 million, which will make it one of the most expensive Brazilian films ever made.
Shooting is slated to begin in mid-2005 and has a local cast including Selton Mello, whilst Forrest Whittaker was in negotiations to take one of the international roles.
Thanks to 'Rafaël'.
