Ray Panthaki, the British actor and filmmaker best knowns for roles in features including “Boiling Point” and “Colette” and shows such as “The Serpent Queen,” is set to make his feature directorial debut with “In Starland.”
Based on a story by Panthaki and co-written with Jason Kavan, the film is described as a deeply personal, raw and thought-provoking exploration of generational divides and human connection.
Leading the project will be Clarence Maclin, whose breakout performance in “Sing Sing” has earned him supporting actor nominations at the BAFTAs, Critics’ Choice Awards and Independent Spirit Awards, alongside a win at the Gotham Awards, plus an Oscar nomination for best adapted screenplay alongside Greg Kwedar, Clint Bentley and John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield. “In Starland” will mark Maclin’s first major leading role.
Panthaki will produce the project alongside Daniel Khalili (“Trespass Against Us”) under their newly formed production company, Le Bateau Lavoir, which succeeds Panthaki’s Urban Way banner (“Boiling Point,” “Convenience”). Emmy-winning producer Daisy Allsop will also produce under her Archface banner.
Described as a “coming-of-middle-age” drama, “In Starland” follows a man struggling to break free from the challenges of small-town life. His journey takes a profound turn when he crosses paths with a group of bold young creators who defy convention and pull him into their world. Per the producers, the film is set to be a “poetic and introspective character study, exploring the vast emotional and cultural chasm between two generations — separated not by time, but by the rapid rise of technology.”
“This film has been with me for years, taking shape long before I began writing it,” said Panthaki. “It’s personal and comes from a deeply spiritual place. But more than that, it’s my way of making sense of the world — of expressing the things I see, feel, and question in a way that only film allows.”
Added Maclin: “I’m thrilled to be a part of ‘In Starland.’ This material spoke to me because it explores the complexities of self-discovery and the human condition in such a unique and modern way. Ray Panthaki’s vision for this film is both bold and insightful, and I am excited to bring this story to life under his direction.”
Panthaki is a multi-faceted actor, writer and producer, who was recently elected to the BAFTA Film Committee. As his debut feature, “In Starland” builds on the success of his critically acclaimed, award-winning shorts “Life Sentence” and “Ernie.”
Production on “In Starland” is set to commence in the U.S. in April.
Panthaki is represented by CAA, Color Creative and CAM. Maclin is represented by Gersh and MGMT Entertainment.