Production begins on Kursk in locations throughout Europe

LOS ANGELES, May 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Filming has begun on the thriller Kursk in locations throughout Europe with production slated in Belgium, Norway and France. Written by Oscar^®-nominated screenwriter Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot, Thor: The Dark World), directed by Oscar^®- nominated director Thomas Vinterberg (The Hunt), and produced by Luc Besson and Ariel Zeitoun, Kursk is based on the novel "A Time to Die: The Untold Story of the Kursk Tragedy" by acclaimed journalist Robert Moore.

Kursk is inspired by the unforgettable true story of the K-141 KURSK, a Russian flagship nuclear-powered submarine that sank to the bottom of the Barents Sea in August 2000. As 23 sailors fought for survival aboard the disabled sub, their families desperately battled bureaucratic obstacles and impossible odds to find answers and save them.

The film stars an internationally acclaimed cast headlined by Matthias Schoenaerts (Far From The Madding Crowd, The Danish Girl, Rust and Bone), Colin Firth (The King's Speech, Kingsman: the Secret Service, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Léa Seydoux (Inglourious Basterds, Robin Hood, Blue Is The Warmest Color, Spectre), Peter Simonischek (Toni Erdmann), Max Von Sydow (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Shutter Island), and Michael Nyqvist (Millennium Trilogy), among others.

The outstanding crew includes Catherine Marchand (The Danish Girl) as costume designer and Alexandre Desplat as composer. Anthony Dod Mantle (Academy Award winner for Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours) is director of photography, Thierry Flamand (Chocolat) serves as Production designer and Valdis Oskardottir (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, Finding Forrester) is the film's Editor.

Advising and consulting the filmmakers are subject matter experts including journalist Robert Moore, author of the novel upon which the film is based, along with David Russell, (Commodore, British Royal Navy), and noted submarine expert Ramsey Martin.

The film is being produced by Via Est, Belga Productions in association with EuropaCorp, which is also handling international sales for the film. STXfilms will distribute in the United States for EuropaCorp Films USA.

About EuropaCorp

EuropaCorp is one of Europe's leading film studios. Founded in 1999, EuropaCorp has operations spanning production, theatrical distribution, video and VOD, and television sales. EuropaCorp also has international rights, partnerships and licensing, production and soundtrack publishing activities. The Group has also been producing TV series since 2010. EuropaCorp's integrated business model allows it to benefit from diversified sources of revenue. With a line-up boasting various types of films and a very strong foothold in international markets, the Group has produced France's biggest international hits in recent years. EuropaCorp was founded by French filmmaker, screenwriter and producer Luc Besson. The Group owns a catalogue of 500 movies.

About STXfilms

STXfilms is a division of STX Entertainment, a global next-generation media company whose mission is to unlock the value of the direct connection stars have with their fans through the development, financing, production, marketing and distribution of film, television, VR, digital video, music and live entertainment content.  It is the industry leader in transforming beyond traditional platform-driven content to creating talent-driven enterprises. 

The company is led by accomplished businessman Robert Simonds and was co-founded by Bill McGlashan, managing partner of the leading global private investment firm TPG.   Other investors include Hony Capital, a leading private equity firm in China; PCCW, Southeast Asia's largest Internet and cable services provider; Tencent Holdings, China's leading provider of online products and services; Dominic Ng, Chairman of East West Bank; DNS Capital (representing the business interests of Gigi Pritzker and her immediate family); and Beau Wrigley, former Chairman and CEO of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, among others.  With these strategic relationships, the company is uniquely positioned to maximize the impact of content worldwide, with direct passage into the China market. 

For more information, please visit https://stxentertainment.com/

SOURCE EuropaCorp