Jordan River’s AETERNUM announced at Locarno Film Festival

Delta Star Pictures has announced development of AETERNUM, the next feature from Jordan River, at the Locarno Film Festival’s Industry section. The near-future film blends artificial intelligence, spirituality and an international production plan, with main filming slated for 2027.

Why it matters: - AETERNUM adds a new high-profile European project to the 79th Locarno Film Festival’s Industry section. - The film pairs a near-future AI premise with spiritual and philosophical themes, aiming at a broad international audience. - The project is moving into development and pre-production now, with main production planned for 2027.

What happened: - Delta Star Pictures announced AETERNUM at Locarno on Aug. 9, 2026. - Jordan River will direct the feature. - The project is currently in development and pre-production. - Main production is scheduled to begin in 2027. - The production will bring together an international team. - River follows Joachim and the Apocalypse (2024), which was in contention in several categories for Academy Awards® 2025 consideration. - The screenplay for AETERNUM was selected at Oxford and Cannes. - The screenplay won Best Screenplay at the Berlin International Screenwriting Festival.

The details: - AETERNUM is set in a near future where an advanced artificial intelligence system tries to control and modulate human emotions. - The story centers on an ancient manuscript that has hidden mysteries and connects to themes associated with The City of God by Saint Augustine and the tradition of Shambhala. - The discovery drives a journey framed around universal questions. - The film is structured around the Days of Creation, told in reverse. - The cast is still being finalized. - Early expected names include Italian actress Denise Tantucci and actor Sebastiano Somma. - Hal Yamanouchi will play a prominent role. - Talks are underway with British actor Bruce Payne. - Casting will continue through the fall, with more international names to come. - Composer Michele Josia will score the film. - Josia is an Emmy® Award winner. - Josia reunites with Jordan River after Joachim and the Apocalypse. - The prior score advanced through the first round of voting in the Best Original Score category for the 2025 Academy Awards® among 135 selected works, as the sole entry representing Italy. - Technical discussions include Academy Award® winner Mark Ulano, known for Best Sound on Titanic. - The film will use a mix of live action and advanced Virtual Production techniques. - The production plans to shoot in 17K IMAX format. - AETERNUM will also use the ThetaWave Cinematic Modulation System™, a proprietary neuroacoustic modulation technology applied to sound design. - River first used the technology in Joachim and the Apocalypse, which was shot in 12K. - Location scouting has already begun in Italy. - Filming will take place across multiple territories in Italy and abroad.

Between the lines: - The announcement positions AETERNUM as both a prestige festival project and a technology-forward production. - The mix of AI, ancient texts and cosmological imagery suggests the film is aiming for science-fiction scale with arthouse and spiritual overtones. - The emphasis on international casting, IMAX, virtual production and award-linked talent signals a strategy built around global market appeal.

What's next: - Casting will continue through the fall. - Additional international performers are expected to be announced. - The production will finalize locations and prepare for a 2027 shoot. - More details should emerge as development moves forward and pre-production continues.

The bottom line: - AETERNUM is being positioned as a large-scale, internationally oriented feature that blends sci-fi, metaphysics and advanced production technology. More information is available on the official movie website.