Salma Hayek Pinault, the Oscar-nominated actress and producer, is stepping behind the camera to direct her first theatrical feature, the epic romantic drama "Arena," which she also wrote, according to Variety.
The independently financed film stars Yura Borisov, who received an Oscar nomination for his role in Sean Baker's "Anora" and who also has a leading role in the upcoming Luca Guadagnino film "Artificial," alongside Cara Delevingne, who co-stars in this year's hit "Club Kid."
A story of forbidden love
"Arena" is described as a story of forbidden love centered on the healing power of love and desire. Production is currently underway in Mexico.
Filming is taking place in the Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Veracruz, which Hayek described as blank canvases for the film's settings. Quintana Roo, on the Yucatan Peninsula, is best known for its Caribbean coastline and resort towns such as Cancun and Tulum, while Veracruz sits on Mexico's Gulf coast.
Hayek on filming in Mexico
Hayek said the sensory experience of connecting with the land and nature was heightened by the region's striking landscapes. She said these were areas of exceptional cinematic beauty, and that discovering unknown, stunning locations for filming had been a genuine source of pride and triumph for the production.
She added that she could not wait to show audiences these hidden gems, which had never before been featured on screen, according to her remarks to Variety.
Hayek's career
Hayek received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in the 2002 biopic "Frida," about the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, and has also appeared in films including "Desperado" and "House of Gucci." "Arena" marks her debut as a director of a theatrical feature.
Her co-stars
Borisov earned his Oscar nomination for a supporting role in "Anora," the Sean Baker film that won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. He is also set to appear in Guadagnino's forthcoming film "Artificial."
Delevingne, a British model turned actress, currently stars in "Club Kid," described in the report as one of this year's successful releases. Variety reported the casting and the details of "Arena" as an exclusive.
