How do you know what’s real and what’s a dream? We might just find out in New Regency’s fencing thriller “Balestra,” starring Manny Jacinto, Cush Jumbo and James Badge Dale, which has kicked off filming in Canada.
Although the project will be released as a film, it will also be made into a separate limited series. The story follows fencer Joanna (Jumbo) in her pursuit to go to the Paris Olympics. She is urged by her husband Raph (Dale)—who also happens to be her coach—to try a prototype device that gives her the ability to train longer without needing to sleep. Soon after, she ends up meeting Elliot (Jacinto) and her mind begins to phase in and out of reality. Caught up in new, thrilling dreams, Joanna finds her goals of Olympic victory possibly taking a backseat. “Charmed” star Christin Park has also been cast in the project as Audrey, Joanna’s fencing rival.
The film and limited series were written by Imran Zaidi, and both are backed by New Regency, Telefilm Canada, Elevation Pictures, Entract Films and the Canada British Columbia and Quebec tax credit. Jumbo is also listed as a producer on the project. “I am thrilled to be venturing into the intense and world of ‘Balestra’ with the team,” Jumbo shared with Deadline. “The combination of high-octane sport and bent lines of reality making [sic] it a truly thrilling experience to shoot and I know audiences are going to love it.”
There’s no release date as of yet, but keep your eyes peeled for more info on the thriller!
