MARINA, directed by Stijn Coninx, european co production

Eyeworks Film & TV Drama (Belgium), Cologne Film (Germany) and Orisa Produzioni (Italy) will coproduce the Belgian-German-Italian film MARINA, directed by Stijn Coninx. Over 40% of the 6.000.000 Euro budget is in place, originating from the Benelux. Principal photography is planned for summer of 2011, release is scheduled for March 2012.

Although set in the fifties, in post war Europe, Marina taps into that very modern and actual theme of migration and integration. But foremost, it's a story about ‘The American dream', the European way! It's the story of realising a dream by following one's heart's desire, against all odds. And the beauty of it is that it is inspired by true facts, namely the life of the Italian/Belgian musician Rocco Granata who had a worldwide hit with his song "Marina" which sold over a hundred million copies over the world. This song has been covered so many times by such artists as Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin and Dalida.

Marina, which is also the title song of the film, is the story of a young Italian man, about his youth in idyllic Calabria and his struggle to survive in a tough Belgian mining village. It's the account of a 10-year fight against poverty, social prejudice, cultural bias and an authoritarian but well-meaning father. But most of all, it's the romantic, compelling and warm story of a young man fulfilling his wildest dreams and getting the beautiful but unreachable grocer's daughter.

Stijn Coninx has directed numerous films, TV series & theatre plays. His most important films are Hector, Koko Flanel, Daens, which were all-time box office hits in Belgium and Daens was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Academy Awards. He also directed There will be Light, Verder dan de maan, and To Walk Again. Last year he directed Soeur Sourire with Cécile de France.