Laurence Fishburne To Direct And Star In 'The Alchemist"

For a lot of actors and producers, it's not easy to get projects off the ground. For example, look how many years it has taken Spike Lee to get any of his films to the theaters. Laurence Fishburne is another actor trying to get a film in theaters, but the challenge has been diffifult. Three years ago it was reported that he would direct and star in 'The Alchemist', based on the book by Paulo Coelho, but the funding fell through until most recently

While at this year's Cannes Film Festival, The Weinstein Co. announced that Harvey Weinstein will produce Paulo Coelho's international best-selling novel and that The Weinstein Company will hold exclusive world-wide motion picture and television rights for the film.

'The Alchemist' is the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. From his home in Spain he journeys to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert to a fateful encounter with the alchemist. The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories have done, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, above all, following our dreams.

Various locations in Europe, as well as the Middle East, including Jordan, Abu Dhabi and Northern Africa will serve as backdrops for this global shoot. To join Fishburne in the cast, a search in Spain and Latin America for the role of Santiago will start shortly and other stars are expected to be announced to round out the cast.

Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company stated: 'Personally producing a project is rare for me, but bringing 'The Alchemist' to the screen has been my dream. It is a spiritual and moving story and I am thrilled to be working side by side with Laurence. The pieces are now in place to jump start this project and we are eager to get going.'

Paulo Coelho stated: 'I am very happy that my book will be filmed in the way I intended it to be and I hope the spirit and simplicity of my work will be preserved. I am excited my friend Laurence Fishburne and Harvey Weinstein will be working together.'

In addition to Weinstein, as previously announced, Laurence Fishburne ('Akeelah and the Bee,'' "The Matrix,' 'What's Love Got To Do With It?') will direct, star and produce the adaptation along with his producing partner Helen Sugland ('Akeelah and the Bee,' 'Once in the Life,' 'Five Fingers') and their production company Cinema Gypsy. Paula Weinstein ('Blood Diamond,' 'The Perfect Storm,' 'Analyze This') and Kathy Morgan are serving as executive producers, along with Steven Markoff ('Alpha Dog,' 'Timber Falls') and Bruce McNall ('Timber Falls,' 'Weekend at Bernie's') from A-Mark Entertainment.

Said Laurence Fishburne: 'This is a special project that now has a special team behind it to ensure that its path to the big screen is handled with the proper care it deserves. I am looking forward to directing it, acting in it, and collaborating with Harvey Weinstein to produce a beautiful film that will do justice to Paulo's enormously successful novel.'

'We are so pleased we were able to assist our client and friend Laurence Fishburne get his passion project, this beautiful book and story made into a film with Harvey Weinstein and The Weinstein Company, who understand how to make and market material as rare and exceptional as this,' stated Sam Gores, Chairman of Paradigm.

Paulo Coelho is one of the most successful authors of all time. His books have sold over 100 million copies, have been translated into 67 languages and released in more than 150 countries.