“With AETERNUM, we will harness cutting-edge technology to revisit the most ancient inquiries: what remains human when even our emotions can be engineered?”— Jordan River, directorLOCARNO, TICINO, SWITZERLAND, August 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — — During the Industry segment of the 79th Locarno Film Festival, Delta Star Pictures made the official announcement regarding “AETERNUM,” the upcoming feature from filmmaker Jordan River. Currently in its development and pre-production stages, the venture is slated to begin principal photography in 2027, assembling a globally diverse crew. An Italian helmer with a distinctly worldwide perspective, River comes to AETERNUM following “Joachim and the Apocalypse” (2024), a work that was already in the running across multiple categories for Academy Awards® 2025 consideration. Furthermore, the script for AETERNUM received selections at Oxford and Cannes, and most recently took home the prize for Best Screenplay at the Berlin International Screenwriting Festival.
Taking place in the not-too-distant future, AETERNUM examines a world where a sophisticated artificial intelligence system seeks to govern and regulate human feelings, challenging the very notions of free will and personal sensitivity. Central to the storyline is an unforeseen component: an ancient manuscript harboring secrets concealed for centuries, which references the metaphysical concept of “The City of God” by Saint Augustine, along with the Shambhala tradition—the mythical “city of light” from Eastern belief systems, representing knowledge and universal balance. This discovery acts as the catalyst for a voyage that confronts profound questions.
Intricate storyline and a worldwide ensemble
The narrative is structured around the Days of Creation, yet presented in reverse order, uncovering a concealed pattern that weaves together cosmology, spirituality, and human fate.
The cast, still being assembled, mirrors the project’s strongly international character and will feature both domestic and worldwide talent. Among the early confirmed names are Italian actress Denise Tantucci (“Leopardi&Co.”, “Braccialetti rossi”, “Ben-Hur”) and actor Sebastiano Somma (“Il mercante di stoffe”, “Nel tepore del ballo”, “Notte prima degli esami 3.0”). A significant part is set for Japanese-born actor Hal Yamanouchi (“The Wolverine”, “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”, “Push”). Negotiations are ongoing with British actor Bruce Payne (“Passenger 57”, “Dungeons & Dragons”, “Highlander: Endgame”), celebrated for his powerful on-screen presence. Further casting is scheduled through the autumn, with additional international names to be revealed. The musical score will be composed by the renowned Michele Josia, a prestigious Emmy® Award winner. Josia teams up again with River following his acclaimed work on “Joachim and the Apocalypse,” which progressed past the initial voting round in the Best Original Score category for the 2025 Academy Awards® among 135 contenders—the only Italian entry. On the technical side, the production is enlisting elite Italian and global film experts, with ongoing talks that include Academy Award® recipient Mark Ulano (Best Sound for Titanic).
Spectacular settings and innovative tech
In recent days, the director and production crew have undertaken preliminary location scouting to pinpoint the most fitting sites in Italy that align with the film’s thematic richness. Shooting is planned across numerous regions both within Italy and overseas. The picture will be captured using both live action and state-of-the-art Virtual Production methods, and will be shot in 17K IMAX resolution, integrating the ThetaWave Cinematic Modulation System™—a proprietary neuroacoustic modulation tool applied to sound design, first utilized in cinema by the same director on the earlier “Joachim and the Apocalypse,” which was filmed in 12K.
Cinema that provokes thought
AETERNUM signifies a fresh chapter in Jordan River’s creative journey: a film merging narrative intensity, eschatological contemplation, and visual creativity to portray the future through humanity’s timeless inquiries, reaffirming the cinema’s role as a medium for questioning, revealing, and transforming.
For more information, visit the official "AETERNUM" movie website.
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