WTFilms has secured the worldwide rights for Pascal Plante's upcoming film, 'King's Daughters', a historical survival drama with a unique blend of folk-horror elements. The film stars Sandrine Bonnaire, along with rising talents Laurie Babin, Lauréna Thellier, Zoé Adjani, and newcomer Marguerite Champoux. This marks a significant step for the director, who previously crafted the cyber-thriller 'Red Rooms', the punk rom-com 'Fake Tattoos', and the sports drama 'Nadia, Butterfly'.
Set in 1663, 'King's Daughters' takes us on a chilling journey through the cursed voyage of a group of orphan virgins, sent by King Louis XIV to establish his colony in New-France (modern-day Quebec). The story focuses on the youngest among them, Catherine Moitié, who is just 13 years old, and the harrowing 111-day transatlantic crossing filled with promiscuity, disease, a superstitious crew, famine, vermin, apathy, and death. This period of their lives is depicted with a gripping intensity that will undoubtedly captivate audiences.
The film's production is a collaborative effort, with Dominique Dussault from Nemesis Films serving as a co-writer and producer, marking her sixth collaboration with Plante. Stephanie Morissette from La Maison de Prod and Caroline Bonmarchand from Avenue B are also on board as co-producers. This trio of women producers is particularly notable, as they aim to highlight women's contributions to history and showcase themes of female solidarity, survival, oppression, and resilience. Their dedication to this project is evident in their statement, emphasizing the film's relevance to contemporary audiences and its potential to inspire a sense of sisterhood.
Principal photography for 'King's Daughters' commenced in Montreal, Canada, in March and will resume in St-Malo, France, in June. The film is set for release in 2027, and it has already generated significant interest, with sales in France to Tandem and Entract in Canada. This project promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking addition to the horror and historical drama genres, offering a unique perspective on a dark and often overlooked period in history.
