by FilmInk Staff
“There are times of your life that are so wonderfully significant that you have to pinch yourself that it were even possible,” said Maggie Beer in a media statement. “I can’t believe it’s 25 years since our sojourn in Tuscany, when Stephanie and I embarked on this adventure. It gave us so much; that deep love of Italy and the confirmation of everything we had both always believed, taken to another level of seasonality where produce at the markets was perfectly ripe in that if it was local, it was more expensive as it was more perfect! Our friendship and support for each other was so incredibly special and life affirming. Re-reading Stephanie’s journal of that year brings every moment back to life in cinematic detail, so to think of it coming to the big screen is both exciting and just a bit scary too.”
It’s that journal and their best-selling Tuscan Cookbook that will be the main source for a movie adaptation by writer Katherine Thomson (Women He’s Undressed) and producers Lisa Shaunessy and Alexandra Burke of Arcadia (2067, upcoming Sissy and In Vitro).
“As most women know, to have a best friend is a great blessing and if they share your passion and inspire you, then you’ve really lucked out,” said Thomson. “Stephanie and Maggie first shared their friendship with the world through the books, now they’re allowing me to expand on the narrative and into a movie – a big leap for them, and how fortunate am I. The Tuscan Cookbook and Stephanie’s Journal are both incredibly rich source materials but there’s no beating the yarns I’ve been privileged to have and will continue to have as together we dive back to their 1997 selves. The ingredients are all there: two very different, hugely successful, creative, and generous women friends in their 50s, who make a promise the year before that they vow to keep: to take a much needed ‘break’ and set up a cooking school in Tuscany (from scratch I might add). But they’ve changed in the year since the decision was made and little do they know that even more fundamental transformation is on its way. Add the fallen gentry landlady, the guests with their own needs who reflect and challenge our girls; the gorgeous cooking and dining, Tuscany itself and the problems brewing back home in Australia and the narrative begins to take shape. Andiamo!”
According to the press release, the film will be in the style of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Under the Tuscan Sun and Julie & Julia. No cast or director has been announced yet, though Stephanie Alexander is champing at the bit.
“I am very excited and cannot wait to see who will be asked to play each of us,” she revealed in a media statement. “It was the adventure of our lives. It deepened our friendship as we supported each other and convinced us all over again of the value of being with others who shared our enthusiasm for ripe and real flavours, in a country that daily reinforced the importance of eating well as an essential part of living well. There are some great untold stories to be told!”
It was a wonderful time for all the “students” too!