Josef Rusnak to pen 'Arijuna'

GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- Josef Rusnak ("The 18th Floor") is mounted on write, having a view to direct, historic thriller "Arijuna."Initially setup at Germany's Motivo Films and Colombia's Tonal Entertainment, "Arijuna" will be created by Berlin-based Craig Films, that also has procedures in La and Zurich.Rusnak will rewrite the initial script by Colombian scribe Jorg Hiller ("A lot of Luck") and Motivo producer Maja Zimmermann. Barry's Benito Mueller and Wolfgang Mueller, Zimmermann and Hiller take producer credits.Fact-based "Arijuna" activates a German World war 2 U-boat pursuit to explosive device the Panama Canal. After a panic attack by an Allied destroyer, five submariners are stranded with an island paradise, meet its Wayuu Indians and, stated Rusnak, have to research whether or not to finish the task or save the lives of the innocent people. "The task on paper the script would be to turn this historic account into an entertaining film, filled with heart, adventure and action," Rusnak added."Arijuna" was initially allocated at $3 million. Rusnak and Craig Films' participation now enables the producers to take into consideration a larger budget, better-known cast as well as an British-language shoot, Zimmermann stated at Mexico's Guadalajara Festival.Craig may also make use of German DFFF rebates and regional funding. Shooting is skedded for within 12-18 several weeks, she added.Craig Films' recent co-production credits range from the Samuel Goldwyn-launched "The Whistleblower," with Rachel Weisz Peruvian standout "Bad Intentions" and France's best first-film Cesar champion "When Pigs Have Wings." Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com