“With AETERNUM we will leverage cutting-edge technology to revisit the most fundamental inquiries: what remains human when even emotions can be programmed?”— Jordan River, directorLOCARNO, TICINO, SWITZERLAND, August 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — — During the Industry programming of the 79th Locarno Film Festival, Delta Star Pictures unveiled its latest project: “AETERNUM,” the upcoming feature from director Jordan River. Now in its development and pre-production stages, the film is slated to commence principal photography in 2027, with an international crew being assembled. A filmmaker of Italian origin with a distinctly global perspective, River comes to AETERNUM following his previous work, «Joachim and the Apocalypse» (2024), which had already positioned itself for Academy Awards® 2025 consideration across multiple categories. Additionally, the screenplay for AETERNUM has earned recognition at Oxford and Cannes, most recently taking home the Best Screenplay prize at the Berlin International Screenwriting Festival.
Set in the not-too-distant future, AETERNUM portrays a world where a sophisticated artificial intelligence system seeks to manage and regulate human emotions, pushing the limits of free will and personal sensitivity. Central to the plot is an unforeseen discovery: an ancient manuscript concealing secrets that have been buried for centuries, drawing upon the metaphysical ideas found in Saint Augustine’s “The City of God” and the legend of Shambhala—the mythical “city of light” from Eastern traditions, representing wisdom and universal balance. This find sets the stage for a journey that raises profound questions about existence.
Intricate plot structure and a globally diverse ensemble
The narrative is structured around the Days of Creation, yet unfolds in reverse order, exposing a hidden pattern that weaves together cosmology, spirituality, and human fate.
The ensemble, still in the process of being locked in, mirrors the project’s international ambitions, featuring talent from both domestic and international circles. Early confirmed participants include 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 is set for Japanese-born actor Hal Yamanouchi (“The Wolverine”, “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”, “Push”). Negotiations are currently in progress with British actor Bruce Payne (“Passenger 57”, “Dungeons & Dragons”, “Highlander: Endgame”), celebrated for his intense on-screen presence. Additional casting will proceed through autumn, with more international names slated for announcement. The score will be composed by acclaimed musician Michele Josia, a respected Emmy® Award recipient. Josia is collaborating again with River after their work on “Joachim and the Apocalypse,” whose soundtrack advanced to the first round of Best Original Score voting at the 2025 Academy Awards®, ranking among 135 entries and standing as the only Italian selection. On the technical side, the production is enlisting leading Italian and international experts, with conversations underway that include Academy Award® winner Mark Ulano (Best Sound for Titanic).
Stunning backdrops and innovative filming methods
Recently, the director and production team conducted initial location scouting to pinpoint key Italian sites that align with the film’s thematic weight. Shooting is expected to span multiple regions both within Italy and overseas. The production will combine live-action footage with sophisticated Virtual Production techniques, and will be captured in 17K IMAX resolution, integrating the ThetaWave Cinematic Modulation System™—a proprietary neuroacoustic sound-design technology that River previously utilized in “Joachim and the Apocalypse,” which was shot in 12K.
Cinema that provokes thought
AETERNUM represents a further milestone in Jordan River’s creative journey: a film blending narrative suspense, eschatological themes, and visual creativity to interpret the future through humanity’s timeless questions, reasserting the cinema’s role as a medium for inquiry, revelation, and change.
For more information, visit the official "AETERNUM" movie website.
Hollywood
Pressagency
email us here
