Chronological breakdown of the film's development, filming, premiere, and theatrical distribution.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Creative Genesis & Casting
The project is announced with Ben Charles Edwards as director and a collaborative writing team. Lead and supporting actors, including Iva, are officially cast.
Key Events
Film Project Announcement — Initial announcement of the Bulgarian-British dramatic thriller project. Characters: IvaLocation: Production Studio
Director Appointment — Ben Charles Edwards is confirmed as the lead director. Characters: IvaLocation: Production Office
Screenplay Collaboration — Mike Shileem and Desi Tenekedzhieva join as co-writers. Characters: IvaLocation: Writing Room
Lead Cast Announcement — Mickey Rourke and other lead actors are officially announced. Characters: IvaLocation: Press Conference
Supporting Cast Assembly — Additional cast members including Eleonora Ivanova are finalized. Characters: IvaLocation: Casting Studio
Filming Commencement — Principal photography begins in July 2022. Characters: IvaLocation: Sofia, Bulgaria
Global Filming & Production
Principal photography spans multiple international locations across Bulgaria, the UK, and the US. The production team wraps filming in October 2022.
Key Events
Filming Commencement — Principal photography begins in July 2022. Characters: IvaLocation: Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia Production Phase — Initial scenes shot at Bulgarian locations. Characters: IvaLocation: Sofia, Bulgaria
London Production Phase — Filming continues in the United Kingdom. Characters: IvaLocation: London, United Kingdom
Los Angeles Production Phase — Final shooting locations established in the United States. Characters: IvaLocation: Los Angeles, United States
Principal Photography Wrap — Filming officially concludes in October 2022. Characters: IvaLocation: Production Set
Post-Production Editing — Editing and sound design phases commence. Characters: IvaLocation: Editing Suite
Festival Circuit & Premiere
Post-production concludes and the film is submitted to international festivals. It secures a spot at Capri Hollywood and hosts its world premiere.
Key Events
Post-Production Editing — Editing and sound design phases commence. Characters: IvaLocation: Editing Suite
Festival Submission — Film is submitted to international film festivals. Characters: IvaLocation: Festival Committee
Capri Hollywood Selection — Film is officially selected for the Capri Hollywood festival. Characters: IvaLocation: Capri, Italy
World Premiere Screening — First public screening occurs on December 27, 2024. Characters: IvaLocation: Capri Theater
Distributor Acquisition — No Blink Film secures distribution rights. Characters: IvaLocation: Business Meeting
Media Partnership Formation — Nova Broadcasting Group joins as general media partner. Characters: IvaLocation: Broadcasting Office
Theatrical Launch & Distribution
Distribution rights are secured by No Blink Film with Nova Broadcasting Group as media partner. The film officially launches in theaters and expands globally.
Key Events
Media Partnership Formation — Nova Broadcasting Group joins as general media partner. Characters: IvaLocation: Broadcasting Office
Theatrical Release Strategy — Final preparations for cinema rollout are completed. Characters: IvaLocation: Marketing Department
Official Cinema Launch — Theatrical release begins on February 7, 2025. Characters: IvaLocation: Cinema Theaters
Regional Distribution Rollout — Film expands to additional regional markets. Characters: IvaLocation: International Markets
Market Penetration & Legacy — Film establishes its presence and critical footprint. Characters: IvaLocation: Global Audience
Story Breakdown
Creative Development — Establishment of the core creative team and genre direction.
Casting Assembly — Selection and announcement of the ensemble cast.
Lead Recruitment — Mickey Rourke and veterans join.
Supporting Roles — Eleonora Ivanova and others cast.
Character Integration — Iva introduced as supporting figure.
Filming Execution — Multi-location principal photography schedule.
Bulgaria Shoot — Sofia base operations.
UK Shoot — London location work.
US Shoot — Los Angeles filming phase.
Post Production — Editing, sound design, and festival preparation.
Editing Suite — Raw footage assembly.
Festival Submission — Capri Hollywood application.
Final Cut Lock — Master delivery preparation.
Premiere Circuit — Festival screening and initial audience reception.
Capri Selection — Official festival inclusion.
World Premiere — December 27, 2024 screening.
Critical Feedback — Early reviews and buzz.
Commercial Release — Distribution deals and theatrical rollout strategy.
Distribution Deal — No Blink Film acquisition.
Media Partnership — Nova Broadcasting Group alliance.
Theatrical Launch — February 7, 2025 cinema release.
Iva, a troubled teenager trapped between an abusive stepfather and a distant, deaf mother, finds unexpected salvation in a mysterious boy claiming to be Lucifer, a fallen angel sent to guide her. As she wrestles with faith, madness, and destiny, she is trained for a chilling mission: to assassinate a powerful American televangelist hiding a sinister truth beneath his holy image.
