Shekhar Kapur to Direct Adventure Film TIGER’S CURSE

Internationally acclaimed producer and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur (ELIZABETH) has come on to direct the epic adventure film TIGER’S CURSE, based on the first in a series of New York Times bestselling novels by author Colleen Houck. Julie Plec, creator of “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals” has adapted the book for the screen.

Ineffable Pictures’ founder Raphael Kryszek and Jesse Israel will produce along with Lotus Entertainment’s Bill Johnson and Jim Seibel, and with director Shekhar Kapur. Lotus’ D.J. Gugenheim and Ara Keshishian are executive producing and Lotus will introduce the action/adventure to foreign buyers starting at AFM.

TIGER’S CURSE follows Kelsey Hayes who learns that she has a powerful connection with a beautiful white tiger named Ren, while working at a circus in Oregon over the summer. When a mysterious stranger arrives to reclaim Ren and return him to his native India, Kelsey is whisked into an exotic adventure across the far reaches of the globe where she learns the powerful beast’s true identity – a prince who is the victim of a 300-year-old curse. With the ability to periodically return to human form, Ren and Kelsey begin a journey through treacherous jungles, sacred temples and go face-to-face with dark forces as they piece together an ancient prophecy which holds the promise of breaking the curse.

Director / Producer Shekhar Kapur said: “Colleen Houck has created a brilliant story of a young girl’s journey through amazing adventures in the discovery of herself. Of who she really is. Yes there are tigers, amazing backdrops, heart stopping action and of course love. But at its center, is an enthralling exploration of a young American teenager’s heart. Her desires. Her fears. Her mission and how she wins. I am super excited to direct this film.”

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur began his directing career with Masoom (1983) and the science-fiction film Mr. India (1987), which was one of India’s most successful films of the 1980s. In 1994 he directed the critically acclaimed Bandit Queen which introduced him to worldwide audiences. His epic tale ELIZABETH (1998) garnered seven Academy Award nominations, as well as a Golden Globe for best director. His second installment in the Elizabeth mytho-history, ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE, was nominated for two Oscars. He went on to direct the epic historical drama THE FOUR FEATHERS.

Ineffable Pictures’ Raphael Kryszek shared, “We are thrilled to pair Kapur’s creative talent with Houck’s epic adventure. This is the first film in a franchise certain to capture the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. Lotus shares in our vision and passion for TIGER’S CURSE and we are excited to make them part of the TIGER’S CURSE family.”

Lotus Entertainment’s Bill Johnson said: “We think TIGER’S CURSE has the ability to really capture the imagination of a large, worldwide audience with its combination of fantasy, adventure and romance. We are excited to be a part of launching something special into the marketplace.”

Lotus Entertainment’s current film slate includes: REPLICAS starring Keanu Reeves; KIDNAP starring Halle Berry; Tom Tykwer’s A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING starring two-time Academy Award Winner Tom Hanks; Scott Hicks’ FALLEN based on the best-selling YA novel; Henry Hobson’s MAGGIE starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Abigail Breslin, which was acquired by Lionsgate for North America; and Craig Zobel’s Z FOR ZACHARIAH with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine and Margot Robbie.