Buffalo 8 Acquires Worldwide Rights to “Devil’s Play”
Buffalo 8 has recently **acquired worldwide rights** to the highly anticipated sci-fi fantasy thriller **Devil’s Play**, previously titled **The Wheels of Heaven**. This gripping film features Oscar nominee **Mickey Rourke**, known for his role in **The Wrestler**. The film promises to deliver an immersive experience filled with suspense and intricate storytelling.
Direction and Inspiration Behind the Film
Directed by **Ben Charles Edwards**, **Devil’s Play** is inspired by **Mark Twain’s** novella **The Mysterious Stranger**. The narrative delves into significant themes such as **faith**, **destiny**, and the **duality of good and evil**. These profound concepts are woven skillfully into the fabric of the storyline, ensuring an engaging experience for audiences interested in philosophical explorations.
Star-Studded Cast
In addition to Rourke, the film boasts a talented cast including **Dessy Tenekedjieva** from **The Profession of Arms**, who also produced the movie through **Black Sea Films** and **Nova Film**. The film also features **Gary Stretch**, recognized for roles in **Alexander** and **Dead Man’s Shoes**, as well as **Geoff Bell** from **RocknRolla**. The cast is complemented by rising Bulgarian actors **Eleonora Ivanova** and **Dimitar Nikolov** in lead roles, alongside special appearances by **Lee Ryan** from **The Heavy** and **Nicky Whelan** from **Hall Pass**.
Plot Summary
The storyline revolves around **Iva** (played by Ivanova), a troubled **teenager** who finds herself entangled in a dire situation between an abusive **stepfather** (Stretch) and an emotionally distant, deaf **mother** (Tenekedjieva). Amid her turmoil, she encounters a mysterious boy claiming to be **Lucifer** (Nikolov), a **fallen angel** who offers her guidance. As Iva grapples with **faith**, **madness**, and her predetermined **destiny**, she undergoes training for a harrowing mission: to assassinate a powerful **American televangelist** (Rourke) who harbors a **sinister truth** beneath his holy facade.
A Festival Favorite
**Devil’s Play** has already made a notable impact on the film festival circuit, debuting under its original title **The Wheels of Heaven** and securing four significant awards at the **Capri Hollywood International Film Festival**. Following its festival run, the film also saw theatrical distribution in **Bulgaria**, facilitated by **No Blink Film**.
Production Details
The production of **Devil’s Play** saw collaboration from **Dessy Tenekedjieva** of **Black Sea Films** and **Nova Film**, with **Goldfinch UK** stepping in as a co-producer. **Mike Shilliam** crafted the screenplay based on a story developed by **Edwards** and **Tenekedjieva**. Principal photography took place in **Bulgaria**, with additional filming conducted in **Los Angeles** and **London**. The film was supported by a team of executive producers, including **Gary Stretch**, **Yosif Kambarev**, and several others from **Buffalo 8**, such as **Matthew Helderman** and **Nikki Stier Justice**.
Producer’s Perspective
Tenekedjieva expressed her enthusiasm regarding the project, stating, “We’re thrilled that our **passion project** has found its home with Buffalo 8. **Devil’s Play** is a unique and unconventional film that poses serious questions — and that’s what makes it meaningful.” This sentiment underscores the artistic integrity and depth of the film.
Distribution Insights
The distribution deal was brokered by Buffalo 8’s Head of Distribution, **Nikki Stier Justice**. She praised **Devil’s Play**, calling it “a visually striking and thematically bold thriller.” The film explores the intricacies of **power**, **faith**, and **transformation**, offering viewers a uniquely stylized lens through which to perceive these themes.
With an intriguing premise and a talented cast, **Devil’s Play** is shaping up to be one of the most discussed films of the upcoming year. As it continues its journey through festivals and potential theatrical releases, audiences worldwide will likely be captivated by its multifaceted narrative.