The upcoming historical drama ‘People of the Book’ is set to captivate audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) market, courtesy of Good Films Studios Spain. Directed by Michael Haussman, the film is an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Geraldine Brooks.

Based on the book, ‘People of the Book’ follows the creation and survival of a sacred religious artifact spanning 500 years. The narrative weaves back and forth between interconnected chapters, set in various countries and time periods, including pre- and post-inquisition Spain, 17th-century Venice, Nazi-occupied Bosnia, and a contemporary narrative focused on an Iraqi refugee family’s harrowing escape journey from ISIS-held Mosul to safety in Europe.

The film is adapted for the screen by Oscar-nominated Petter Skavlan, who brings the epic narrative to life. Produced by Miriam Segal, ‘People of the Book’ marks the first project for Good Films Studios Spain, a joint venture between the Spanish government, Canadian-U.S. outfit Orogen Media, and Segal’s Good Films.

Earlier this summer, the Spanish government’s investment company SETT made a remarkable investment of €40 million in production companies Ítaca Films Madrid and Good Films Studios Spain. Ítaca Films Madrid received €20 million to create a Spanish arm of Mexico’s Grupo Ítaca, with plans to produce 26 film and TV productions worth a combined €419 million over the next decade. Good Films Studios Spain, a public-private initiative overseen by Segal, also received €20 million to develop, finance, produce, and sell mid-sized international productions budgeted at between €17 million and €25 million. The plan is to shoot 20 films at Ciudad de la Luz over the next decade, beginning with ‘People of the Book.’

The cast of the project includes Ziad Bakri, Rania Ben Fattoum, Ankido Hussen, Luca Ferrini, Giorgia Sinicorni, Pasquale Esposito, and Jose Luis Ferrier. Notable HODs include Oscar-winning make-up artist Julie Dartnell, Spanish production designer Edou Hydallgo, and costume designer Cristina Sopeña, as well as DOP Diego Romero.

‘People of the Book’ is projected to be completed by the end of the year, with the filmmakers aiming to debut at one of the major international film festivals in 2027. Bleiberg Entertainment will be presenting the film at the TIFF market and showing first footage for buyers.

Miriam Segal, producer of ‘People of the Book,’ expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to bring this incredible, resonant, and cinematic epic narrative to the screen. Ariel Bleiberg, Head of Acquisition and Development for Bleiberg, added that the project’s scope and ambition, along with the planned execution by Good Films, made it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

With its rich narrative and talented cast and crew, ‘People of the Book’ is set to captivate audiences worldwide.