The Forest, the supernatural thriller starring Natalie Dormer (“Games of Thrones”) and Taylor Kinney which will be directed by Jason Zada based on an original idea by David S. Goyer, started principal photography today in Tokyo, Japan and in the areas surrounding the legendary Aokigahara forest at the base of Mt. Fuji.
Additionally, AI Film has joined the Lava Bear Films project as a co-financier and co-producer, with Focus Features releasing the film nationwide on January 8, 2016. Good Universe continues international sales on the project at this year’s Cannes market. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions previously acquired rights in multiple overseas territories including Australia, Spain, Eastern Europe and all of Asia outside of Japan.
Sarah Cornwell and Nick Antosca wrote the script for The Forest, which is produced by Lava Bear Films and Goyer, under his Phantom Four banner. Len Blavatnik, , Aviv Giladi and Lawrence Bender will serve as executive producers for AI Film. Tory Metzger, President of Lava Bear, is overseeing the production.
The Forest, which is set in the Aokigahara forest at the base of Mt. Fuji, tells the story of a young American woman who goes in search of her twin sister, who has mysteriously disappeared. Despite everyone’s warnings to “stay on the path,” Sara enters the forest determined to discover the truth about her sister’s fate, only to be confronted by the angry and tormented souls of the dead who prey on anyone who wanders into the forest.
“We are proud to see this film going into production and fortunate to have AI Film join us on the film,” said Lava Bear head David Linde. “The team both in front of and behind the camera promises to deliver a well-crafted thriller designed to engage audiences all over the world.”
AI Film CEO and executive producer Aviv Giladi says, “We are thrilled to be working with David Linde’s Lava Bear and Focus Features on this film, who have brought on board a great cast and creative team which is already attracting the attention of international distribution.”
