With AETERNUM we will use the most advanced technologies to return to the oldest questions: what remains human when even emotions can be programmed?”— Jordan River, directorLOCARNO, TICINO, SWITZERLAND, August 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — — During the Industry section of the 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, Delta Star Pictures formally revealed the development of "AETERNUM", the latest feature-length project from filmmaker Jordan River. Currently in development and pre-production, the undertaking is set to begin principal photography in 2027, assembling a multinational crew. An Italian director with a decidedly global perspective, Jordan River follows up «Joachim and the Apocalypse» (2024)—already in consideration for multiple Academy Awards® 2025 categories—with AETERNUM. The script for AETERNUM was also chosen at Oxford and Cannes, and most recently took home the award for Best Screenplay at the Berlin International Screenwriting Festival.
Taking place in the not-too-distant future, AETERNUM examines a society where a sophisticated artificial intelligence system seeks to manage and regulate human emotions, redefining the limits of free will and personal feeling. At the narrative’s core emerges an unforeseen element: an ancient manuscript containing secrets concealed for centuries, which calls to mind the metaphysical notion of Saint Augustine’s “The City of God” and the Shambhala tradition—the legendary “city of light” from Eastern cosmologies, representing knowledge and universal harmony. This discovery serves as the catalyst for a journey that raises universal questions.
A gripping narrative arc and an international ensemble
The film unfolds according to the Days of Creation, but recounted in reverse order, revealing a hidden pattern that weaves together cosmology, spirituality, and human fate.
The cast, still being finalized, mirrors the project’s strongly international focus and will feature both Italian and foreign performers. 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 role will go to Japan-born actor Hal Yamanouchi ("The Wolverine", "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", "Push"). Negotiations are underway with British actor Bruce Payne ("Passenger 57", "Dungeons & Dragons", "Highlander: Endgame"), renowned for his intense performances. Casting will continue through autumn, with additional international names to be revealed later. The soundtrack will be composed by acclaimed musician Michele Josia, a prestigious Emmy® Award winner. Josia reunites with Jordan River after the success of his score for “Joachim and the Apocalypse”, which progressed through the first round of voting in the Best Original Score category for the 2025 Academy Awards® among 135 selected works—the sole entry from Italy. On the technical side, production is bringing on board top-tier Italian and global film professionals, with ongoing discussions that include Academy Award® winner Mark Ulano (Best Sound for Titanic).
Stunning locations and cutting-edge technology
Recently, the director and production staff conducted initial location scouting to pinpoint the most suitable sites in Italy, in line with the work’s thematic depth. Filming will occur across multiple regions in Italy and overseas. The movie will be captured both in live action and through advanced Virtual Production methods, and will be shot in 17K IMAX format, utilizing the ThetaWave Cinematic Modulation System™—a proprietary neuroacoustic modulation technology applied to sound design, first employed in cinema by the same director in his previous film “Joachim and the Apocalypse”, which was shot in 12K.
Cinema that provokes thought
AETERNUM represents a new phase in Jordan River’s creative journey: a film that merges narrative tension, eschatological meditation, and visual fantasy to depict the future by way of humanity’s most ancient inquiries, restoring to the big screen its role of questioning, revealing, and transforming.
For more information, visit the official "AETERNUM" movie website.
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