UK drama Sapphire to double Taiwan for China

UK drama-thriller Sapphire from writer-directors Daniel and Matthew Wolfe is set to shoot in Taiwan this autumn.

Rising Irish actor Keoghan (Dunkirk, American Animals) will play a world-champion snooker player plagued by gambling addiction who escapes to China in search of a fresh start only to become indebted to illegal bookmakers and forced into a mortal dilemma; throw the biggest match of his life or save his soul.

The screenplay is written by Daniel and his brother Matthew, who previously collaborated on Catch Me Daddy, which picked up the best newcomer award at the London Film Festival.

Matthew is also producing with Tim Nash through their outfit Jelly Roll, alongside Mike Elliott (Small Axe, Benediction).

Daniel & Matthew Wolfe said: “We’re really excited to bring Sapphire to life, Barry is an incredible actor and really connected with the material… Sapphire will be an operatic and highly visual film. Snooker shot in a dynamic and balletic style.”

Bankside’s Stephen Kelliher commented of the project: “It is an honour to be working with distinguished filmmakers Daniel and Matthew Wolfe on Sapphire. They have created an intensely gripping thriller with great humanity at its heart which they will execute with an abundance of style alongside the exceptional talent of Barry Keoghan in the compelling lead role.”