Filming has started on director Niki Caro's new movie project, the film adaptation of The Vintner's Luck.
The film, based on the novel with the same name by New Zealand author Elizabeth Knox, will star Oscar-nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes, who came to worldwide attention in Caro's Whale Rider.
TheVintner's Luck tells the tale of Sobran, a peasant winemaker in 19th Century France and his life-long relationship with an angel.
"It's really exciting to get the project under way," Caro said.
"It's a scary kind of honour to bring Elizabeth's book to the screen," she said.
Caro was also looking forward to working again with Castle-Hughes.
"Keisha and I have such a close relationship and strong history; it's great to work with her again in her first `grown up' role."
Filming began at an Auckland vineyard today, before cast and crew relocate in March to the Burgundy region of France then Belgium.
Belgian actor Jeremie Renier was cast to play the lead role of wine-maker Sobran Jodeau, with Castle-Hughes playing his wife Celeste.
Castle-Hughes said she was initially nervous playing her first adult role.
"But now I'm really looking forward to it. It is going to be a challenge, but I love challenges," the 18-year-old said.
French actor Gaspard Ulliel will play the role of angel Xas.
The other main role, Baroness Aurora, will be played by American actress Vera Farmiga.
Knox said she was excited about the project.
"I am so pleased production is under way and am over the moon about the cast and crew. I can't wait to see the finished product, it will be like giving my book a new life," she said.
