Virginie Ledoyen Attached to Star in World War II Romantic Drama

French actress Virginie Ledoyen has been tapped to star in "Seed of Contention," a World War II romantic drama by writer-director Ana Marie Laperal. Shooting on the Leaudouce Films production is scheduled to start early 2006.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 28, 2005 --- French actress Virginie Ledoyen, 28, is attached to star in "Seed of Contention," the first feature from Los Angeles-based Leaudouce Films. Ana Marie Laperal, 27, will direct from her original script.

Ledoyen will play the lead role of Mila, a Spanish woman caught in the harrowing travails of World War II Manila. She joins award-winning Filipino-American actress Donita Rose, 30, who will play her sister. The script is currently out to A-list actors for the male lead.

Inspired by a true story, Seed of Contention" recounts the journey of Dean, an American G.I. in World War II Manila, who escapes prison camp and returns home to his Spanish wife, Mila, who finds herself in the throes of occupied Manila. The mounting pressures of war and struggle for survival ultimately compel Mila to make a decision that deals unexpected repercussions on everyone's lives. The film's tone and theme are reminiscent of "The English Patient" and "Cold Mountain."

Says films writer-director Laperal: Virginie was my only choice to play Mila. Apart from bearing an uncanny resemblance to the real Mila, Virginie possesses the talent, range, and sensibility to fully incarnate this complex character. She is an enormously gifted actress and a wonderful person. Were all very pleased to have her on board."

Best known to U.S. audiences for her role opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Danny Boyles The Beach," Ledoyen is one of Frances most popular and critically acclaimed actresses. She can currently be seen in Jean-Paul Rappeneaus Bon Voyage" and Pascal Laugiers Saint-Ange." She can also be heard as the voice of Angelina Jolie's character in the French version of the animated feature, "Shark Tale."

Principal photography on the private equity-financed film is expected to commence early next year in the Philippines and Guam or Hawaii, and scheduled for general theatrical release in late 2006. Laperal will also produce with Leaudouce Films principal Delia Lujan executive producing.

Established September 2003 in Los Angeles, Leaudouce Films, LLC has a mandate to develop, produce, and finance feature motion pictures and co-productions between North America, Europe, and Asia. The privately held company is slated to go into production on its first three features within the next two years.

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