Whitney Peak, (‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ ‘Molly’s Game,’ ‘Gossip Girl’) has joined the cast of Aisling Walsh’s upcoming film Ethel. She will be starring alongside Shira Haas and Sarah Paulson. Bankside Films, which initially launched the project earlier this year, has completed a number of international pre-sales at Cannes and the film is now in pre-production.
The screenplay, written by Celeste Parr, is based on the true story of Ethel Stark and her Montreal Women’s Symphony Orchestra. The film will explore how Stark and her orchestra broke through class and racial barriers, paving the way for women in the field of orchestra music and gaining international acclaim.
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Shira Haas (‘Bodies,’ ‘Unorthodox’) will portray the titular character, Ethel Stark. Haas, who is currently performing in the West End production of Opening Night, will bring to life the story of a determined musical prodigy facing the challenges of a world that does not recognize her talent simply because she is a woman. Her journey is set against the backdrop of World War II, with her fiancé at war in Europe, leaving her to navigate these struggles alone. However, she finds solidarity in other women who share her dreams and are also fighting to be heard.
Sarah Paulson’s character, Bowen, is a socialite who desires more from life than just tea parties and country clubs. Whitney Peak’s character, Grant, is a young black musician facing the dual challenges of race and gender discrimination. Under Ethel’s guidance, they form an informal all-female troupe of musicians, each driven by their passion for music and their determination to break societal barriers.
The project has already secured sales to several territories, including Benelux (Imagine), Canada (Sphere Films), Eastern Europe (HBO), the Middle East (Front Row), and Spain (Divisa Red), demonstrating a strong international interest in the film.
Produced by Marie-Claude Poulin (Brooklyn) and Martina Niland (Sing Street) for Port Pictures, Ethel is poised to be a compelling narrative about perseverance and the power of music. Bankside Films is handling international sales and will be presenting the project to potential buyers at Cannes, with U.S. distribution rights being jointly managed by Bankside and CAA.
This film not only promises to deliver a powerful story based on real events but also highlights a diverse and talented cast ready to bring Ethel Stark’s inspiring journey to the screen.