Robin Wright’s feature directorial debut “Land” will be distributed by Focus Features, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
Additionally, Demian Bichir has joined the cast. Wright will star as the lead, playing a cosmopolitan lawyer who retreats to the wilderness after she faces a loss in life. Kim Dickens will also star in a supporting role.
Shooting on the film has begun in Alberta, Canada.
The film is based on the original screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah (“The Post”), with revisions by Erin Dignam.
“Land” was developed by Allyn Stewart (“Sully,” “Trial by Fire”) together with acclaimed casting director Lora Kennedy (“Wonder Woman,” “Argo”) and is financed by New York-based production entity Big Beach. It is produced by Stewart, Kennedy, Big Beach co-founder and Academy Award nominee Peter Saraf (“The Farewell,” “Little Miss Sunshine”) and Leah Holzer (“A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood”).
“‘Land’ is a story of personal transformation out of the most tragic event possible for any of us,” Wright said in a statement. “I hope that experiencing Edee’s journey toward healing inspires others.”
Focus chairman Peter Kujawski added: “Robin has consistently laid bare the strength, soul and vulnerabilities of so many iconic characters over the years as an actress, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience when she draws on that deep well of empathy behind the camera as well.”
Wright will executive produce alongside John Sloss and Steve Farneth of Cinetic Media with Nomadic Pictures’ Chad Oakes and Mike Frislev. Focus Features will distribute domestically, while Universal Pictures International will handle foreign distribution.
Bichir, whose credits include “A Better Life,” “Alien Covenant,” “The Hateful Eight” and “Savages,” is represented by CAA. Dickens is represented by The Gersh Agency.
Variety first reported the news. This deal was handled by Cinetic, CAA Media Finance & Hanway.