Jaclyn Bethany is fast-tracking her feature “Indigo Valley,” about a honeymoon trek in the Icelandic wilderness, Variety has learned exclusively.
“Indigo Valley,” based on Bethany’s short film of the same name, marks the first collaboration between Bethany and Harmstone under their new banner Indigo Films, which will focus on female-driven narrative content, with a focus on international markets.
“Indigo Valley” is a U.S.-UK-Icelandic co-production, with Courtney Harmstone producing. Matthew Helderman of Buffalo 8 is coming on board as an executive producer. Fenrir Films of Iceland is a co-producer.
Bethany will direct and star in the film in which a newlywed couple is on a hiking trip through the Icelandic wilderness. The couple is unexpectedly joined by the woman’s estranged sister, played by Bethany, an actress recently released from rehab. Jealousy, insecurity and sexual tension run high in the desolate landscape of Iceland, highlighting the tumultuous future these three people face.
Icelandic actor Atli Oskar Fjalarsson and British actress Greta Bellamacina will have supporting roles in the film. Plans are for a shoot in the summer.
The short version of “Indigo Valley” was produced by Bethany’s BKE Prods. and Harmstone. It will be screening at AFM on Nov. 5 with a festival and international market run planned for 2018.
Bethany has produced 11 short films including “Olivia Martha Ilse,” starring James Frain and Tammy Blanchard; “Between Departures” and its follow-up “In: Transit”; “Sunday Tide” and “Schoolgirls.” As an actor she has appeared in the films “I Saw The Light” and “Miles.”
