Director of Anti-Putin Drama ‘The Antique’ Sets English-Language Debut, ‘Operation K,’ About Communist Crackdown of Monasteries (EXCLUSIVE)

Georgian filmmaker Rusudan Glurjidze, whose anti-Putin drama “The Antique” (pictured) was nearly blocked from world premiering at the Venice Film Festival, is set to make her English-language debut with “Operation K.”

Unfolding in 1949 and 1950, the film is based on the true story of the Communist crackdown of Catholic monasteries in Czechoslovakia, resulting in mass incarcerations of thousands of monks.

Named Operation K after the Czech word for monastery (Klaster), the film charts the journey of Czech priest Josef Toufar who was tortured for defying his country’s Soviet-backed regime. Karel Roden, a veteran Czech actor whose international credits include “Orphan” and “RocknRolla,” is attached to star as Toufar.

Written by Gregory W. Jordan (“The Royal”), “Operation K” is set during the early Cold War era, as Communists were staging show trials, violently shuttering churches, and executing and imprisoning priests and nuns in then-Czechoslovakia.

Aside from “The Antique,” which is Georgia’s Oscar entry, Glurjidze previously directed “House of Others” which won the Karlovy Vary Grand Prix.

“Operation K” will reteam Glurjidze with renowned cinematographer Gorka Gómez Andreu, who also shot ‘The Antique” and “House of Others.”

David Goldblum and his Conscious Contact Entertainment will produce alongside Jordan’s Sweet Ginger Films. Production of “Operation K” will commence in Europe next fall. 

Along with starring in the film, Roden will executive produce “Operation K.” His acting credits include Paul Greengrass’ “The Bourne Supremacy,” and Guillermo del Toro’s “Hellboy” and “Blade II.”