Polish director-producer Heathcliff Janusz Iwanowski is making waves in the film industry with his upcoming English-language debut, 'Ocean on Fire.' This nautical thriller, written by acclaimed writer W. Peter Iliff, who penned the original 'Point Break,' is set to captivate audiences with its gripping storyline. Executive produced by the talented Ali Tabrizi, known for his work on the eye-opening Netflix documentary 'Seaspiracy,' the film promises to shed light on the dark underbelly of the maritime world.
In 'Ocean on Fire,' we follow the journey of Jack, a former commando, who embarks on a quest to find his missing father. Jack's father was an idealistic observer on large fishing trawlers, and his mysterious disappearance during a voyage raises suspicions. While the crew dismisses it as an accident, Jack refuses to accept this explanation. Determined to uncover the truth, he begins his own investigation. Teaming up with a journalist, Jack reveals a complex web of corruption that stretches across continents, entangling politicians, lobbyists, drug cartels, and mafia bosses. These nefarious entities exploit maritime routes for slavery, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking.
With a production budget of $40 million, 'Ocean on Fire' will be filmed at Pinewood Studios in the Dominican Republic, as well as various Caribbean locations. Director Heathcliff Janusz Iwanowski was inspired by 'Seaspiracy' and aims to bridge the gap between educating audiences through documentaries and the entertainment factor of narrative feature films. Ali Tabrizi, the executive producer, expresses his excitement in a video, stating that the film will bring attention to untold stories of the ocean in an incredible way.
Heading the production team is Jolanta Iwanowska, Iwanowski's regular producer, along with executive producers Michael Roesch, Ali Tabrizi, and W. Peter Iliff. Joining them is cinematographer Manuel Castañeda, known for his work on 'Kill Chain,' and line producer Vanessa Iwanowski. Kinostar, a renowned German distribution company, will handle worldwide sales, ensuring that the film reaches audiences globally.
Heathcliff Janusz Iwanowski's previous works have garnered attention and acclaim. His hit 1980s comedy-drama, 'Where the Devil Can't Go, He Sends a Woman,' even generated a sequel. Additionally, he recently helmed the 2023 Netflix series, 'How to Become Crazy Rich in Eastern Europe,' which chronicles a group of entrepreneurs capitalizing on the end of communism and the rise of capitalism. Iwanowski also produced and co-wrote Michal Wegrzyn's 2022 portrait of communist leader Edward Gierek, who led Poland from 1970 to 1980.
As production gears up for 'Ocean on Fire,' anticipation grows for this thought-provoking thriller. It promises to shed light on the immense challenges faced by our oceans and expose the dark forces that operate within them. With a talented team and an intriguing storyline, this film has all the ingredients to make a significant impact on audiences worldwide. Keep an eye out for further updates on this exciting project.