Amma Asante To Direct Drama Series Adaptation Of ‘Smilla’s Sense of Snow’

Variety is reporting that British director Amma Asante (“Belle,” “A United Kingdom”) will direct a drama series adaptation of acclaimed novel “Smilla’s Sense of Snow” for German outfit Constantin Film.

Based on the bestselling book by Peter Höeg, and created and written by Clive Bradley (“Trapped”), the series will follows Smilla Jaspersen, whose investigation into the mysterious death of an immigrant Inuit child from the projects evolves into a much grander supernatural epic. Her search for answers sets her on a journey to her native home of Greenland.

The book was adapted as a film by Bille August in 1997, starring Julia Ormond, and produced by Bernd Eichinger and Martin Moszkowicz. Executive producers of the TV adaption are Constantin Film’s executive board members Oliver Berben and Robert Kulzer and the producer is Constantin CEO Martin Moszkowicz. Colin Scully, Alex Westmore and Brandon Zimon will oversee the project for the company.

The studio is expected to present the project to U.S. premium cable and streamers.

Asante said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be helming a show with such a powerful female lead at its center. Peter Höeg’s 1993 novel gave us a potent social commentary, with a heroine ahead of her time, that illuminated themes more relevant today than ever. It was a compelling alchemy for me, and a wonderful jumping-off point for our update into a modern supernatural thriller that asks poignant questions for our times.”

Asante won the BAFTA for outstanding debut for “A Way of Life,” and her feature film credits also include Palm Springs winner “Belle” and Black Reel award winner “A United Kingdom.”