“Maresi” is headed to the big screen, Variety reports. The film rights to the feminist fantasy novel have been optioned by Film4, the London-based company behind Andrea Arnold’s “American Honey.” The award-winning YA book was penned by Finnish author Maria Turtschaninoff.
The story is “set in the Red Abbey, a refuge for women and girls,” Variety writes. “The abbey comes under attack after a girl who saw her sister killed seeks refuge. The 13-year-old titular character Maresi is forced to fight to defend both herself and the community.” “Maresi” is the first part in a series known as “The Red Abbey Chronicles.”
Originally published in Finland in 2014, “Maresi’s” publishing rights have been sold to 17 territories. An imprint of Abrams, Amulet Books, will publish the U.S. edition in January 2017. Amulet will release the next installment of the series, “Naondel,” in January 2018.
“I cannot say that this is a dream come true for me — it exceeds all my dreams. I am so happy that Maresi is in such good hands with Film4,” Turtschaninoff said.
“Maresi” has received rave reviews from critics. The Guardian praised Turtschaninoff for weaving “in fantasy with feminism, creating a spellbinding read that is completely unputdownable,” and identified one of the most impressive points of her writing as “her ability to depict the effects that both psychological and physical abuse have on women whilst maintaining an almost serene feminist few point throughout.”
Variety doesn’t include any information about who will adapt the book or helm the feature, but female screenwriters and directors are especially underrepresented in the fantasy genre, so hopefully it’s women who will bring this powerful feminist story to multiplexes.
