Embankment has launched global pre-sales on the next project from O'Connor, whose critically acclaimed Emily with Emma Mackey debuted to rave reviews upon its 2022 release.
When Sister Maria (McKenzie), a spirited young nun with an unshakeable faith, arrives in Rome on a quest to save her beloved village, she clashes with a jaded tour guide (Wallace) who's lost his way. "What starts as a delightful battle between wide-eyed idealism and world-weary cynicism blossoms into an unexpected friendship that proves ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they believe in each other," a plot synopsis reads. "Together, they discover that when good people fight for what's right -- hope triumphs, hearts change and miracles can happen."
Filming will commence in spring 2026 across Lazio and Rome.
"Rome has always been a city of possibility for me from my very first visit many years ago," says O'Connor. "I wanted to create an uplifting and fun story for everyone that was about choosing hope, centred around this young nun who was irrepressibly positive."
She continued: "It has buoyed me immensely to create a world where ordinary people can triumph, and this Frank Capra quote inspired me: 'That's all I'm here for, really, to try to tell you that there's good in the world. And that it's wonderful.' I am so excited to bring this magical story to life next spring in Rome with Thomasin and Toby. Thomasin's work has a beautiful authenticity and emotional depth to it, while Toby is so instinctual and alive as an actor. I can't wait to see what they create together with these roles."
Embankment Films partner Hugo Grumbar added: "Worldwide cinema audiences are craving warm-hearted, uplifting entertainment right now... Sister Maria will have people leaving the cinema with a skip in their step -- her unadulterated positive view of the world is absolutely infectious. We're delighted to be working with Frances again on what promises to be a truly wonderful and inspiring movie."
Naomi Despres (Kill The Messenger, Lizzie) and Piers Tempest (The Wife, Military Wives) produce for Desmar Films and Tempo Productions with Guglielmo Marchetti producing for Notorious Pictures SpA in Italy. Michèle Marshall executive produces for Desmar Films. Embankment handles worldwide sales, co-representing U.S. rights with WME Independent.