“Tomiris” has secured U.S. distribution. Arclight Films and Well Go USA snagged rights to the action-adventure pic centering on women warriors. A press release confirmed the news.
Based on the “real-life story of the great queen who, along with her female warriors, united divided nomadic tribes to create a powerful nation capable of repelling the likes of Persia,” “Tomiris” stars Almira Tursyn. Adil Akhmetov and Aizhan Lighg co-star.
“According to historical accounts, Tomiris and her army very likely served as the downfall of Cyrus the Great, who was foolish enough to challenge the peoples of the Great Steppe and their inimitable leader,” the release details. “While Queen Tomiris lived 2,500 years ago, her legacy continues to thrive today. She was not only a mother and warrior but also an incomparable strategist credited with the creation of Scythian female warrior divisions that served as the basis for tales of the Amazon warriors.”
“We are grateful to live in a world where there is a strong appetite for real-life stories of powerful women, stories that deserve to be told,” said Arclight Films’ chairman Gary Hamilton. “’Tomiris’ tells one such story, and coupled with its exquisite landscapes and exceptional production values, it is an epic film that will enthrall audiences. When Kazakh-American film producer Gia Noortas (and head of the Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan in Los Angeles) introduced us to this special project, we immediately recognized the extraordinary potential of this film. We are thrilled that our friends at Well Go USA are on board to bring the inspiring story of Queen Tomiris to U.S. audiences.”
Doris Pfardrescher, president and CEO of Well Go USA Entertainment, added, “We have a passion for incredible stories, and few are more compelling than the almost unfathomable life story of the first historical ‘Queen of the Amazons.’ ‘Tomiris’ viewers will be left awe-struck by this fierce young warrior, who embodied such strength and unwavering love for her people that she overcame great tragedy to protect them at all costs, even when it meant waging war against the most powerful empire the world had ever seen.”
Akan Satayev directed the film. No word on a U.S. release date yet. Other women warrior pics to look forward to include Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman 1984,” slated for release August 14, and “The Woman King,” the story of an all-female military unit known as the Amazons that’s currently in development. Gal Gadot stars in the former and Viola Davis and Lupita Nyong’o the latter.
