Award-Winning Italian Video Game "Martha Is Dead" Embarks on a Cinematic Journey

A MIND-BENDING TALE OF TWO SISTERS

In 1944's war-torn Tuscany, young Giulia sets out on a haunting quest to uncover the enigmatic death of her twin sister Martha, becoming entwined in a mystery that blurs the lines between reality, mysterious folklore and the tragedy of war.

Based on the award winning game “Martha Is Dead” which since it’s release in 2022 has gardened a strong cult following and worldwide critical acclaim for its captivating psychological horror mystery that keeps players on edge until the final, haunting revelation.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Italian game studio LKA, UK publisher Wired Productions, and Swedish film-production company Studios Extraordinaires have announced an exclusive partnership for a feature film adaptation of the video game "Martha Is Dead".

“Every element of ‘Martha Is Dead’ was created with extraordinary precision and care. The narrative’s complexity was meticulously planned, visualized, and even shaped with a cinematic quality in mind. Bringing this to life as a film is a dream come true.”
— Luca Dalcò, Founder and Director of LKA, writer and designer of "Martha is Dead"

A TALE OF TWO SISTERS

The heart of "Martha Is Dead" is the enigmatic sisters, Giulia and Martha, whose lives unfold across three distinct time-periods.

1955

The first time-period is present day in 1955, where a visibly aged Giulia, marked by the scars of her past, revisits the haunting memories of her sister’s death through a series of interrogations. Each session slowly strips away the layers of a deeply buried truth.

1944

The second time-period, where we spend the majority of the film, is in 1944 on the harrowing night of Martha's murder. In the aftermath young Giulia assumes Martha’s identity and embarks on a haunting journey to uncover the truth behind her sister’s mysterious end. Challenging her sanity as she navigates a world blurred by grief, guilt, folklore, and the stark realities of the war.

THE PAST

These two contrasting timelines are occasionally punctuated by key moments in the sisters lives growing up, exposing their troubled pasts, the depth of their bond, and the shadows cast by their experiences with an unstable, abusive mother, and their own struggles with love, identity and mental health.

“The game’s gripping narrative and unique setting make it a perfect candidate for a film adaptation. We’re thrilled to join forces with Studios Extraordinaires to create a landmark cinematic experience, merging the artistry of gaming and filmmaking in an unprecedented way.”
— Leo Zullo, Managing Director, Wired Productions

The adaptation will be spearheaded by Studios Extraordinaires, a creative powerhouse writing and making elevated action, thriller, horror, and science-fiction films, based on original stories and extraordinary games.

“Martha Is Dead is a narrative masterpiece, expertly weaving a spellbinding murder mystery from a young woman’s perspective in a way that’s never been done before. We’re eager to bring this haunting tale to life, offering both fans and newcomers a cinematic tour-de-force, while staying true to the game’s soul-stirring essence.”
— André Hedetoft and Andreas Troedsson at Studios Extraordinaires

Currently in active development, the film adaptation of “Martha Is Dead” is being shaped in close collaboration with Luca Dalcò, Founder and Director of LKA, and the Creator of Martha Is Dead. André Hedetoft and Andreas Troedsson are attached on the feature film as co-directors. Alongside directing, André brings his expertise as screenwriter penning the script, while Andreas also takes on the role of cinematographer, ensuring both a visually stunning and meticulously crafted adaptation.

What sets the Swedish directing duo apart is the merging of their unique talents, all through the writing, shooting and editing, to orchestrate a haunting narrative that uniquely juxtaposes a supernatural ghost story with a gripping psychological murder mystery.

CONTACT
André Hedetoft at Studios Extraordinaires
andre@studiosextraordinaires.com
+46 (0) 736 72 12 36

ABOUT STUDIOS EXTRAORDINAIRES

Studios Extraordinaires is a creative powerhouse by Screenwriter and Director André Hedetoft and Director and DOP Andreas Troedsson, writing and making high-end action, horror, and science-fiction films, based on original stories and extraordinary games.

Their upcoming slate includes several exciting projects. This includes the highly anticipated sci-fi thriller "Fort Solis" based on the game from Fallen Leaf Studios that stars Roger Clark, Troy Baker, and Julia Brown. The psychological horror film "Martha is Dead" adapted from the critically acclaimed game by Italian game studio LKA. As well as “Echoes Never Dies” a cutting-edge original Swedish technothriller.

www.studiosextraordinaires.com


ABOUT LKA

LKA is a leading and award-winning video games studio based in Florence, Italy. Founded more than 20 years ago and specialising in artistic production across media, LKA’s debut video game The Town of Light received critical acclaim, including a Drago D’Oro award for Greatest Artistic Achievement. Martha Is Dead continued the studio’s signature multi-layered narrative style combined with real world locations, after releasing in 2022.

Martha Is Dead is co-funded by the European Union through the Creative Europe Programme.


ABOUT WIRED PRODUCTIONS

Wired Productions is an independent video games publisher based in Watford, UK. Wired has produced and published award-winning titles across all major platforms and its games are curated to deliver on its mantra: ‘Driven by Passion.’ Bringing games to market in both physical and digital media, recent notable launches include: Tin Hearts, The Last Worker, Tiny Troopers: Global Ops, Arcade Paradise, Martha Is Dead, The Falconeer, and Deliver Us The Moon. Upcoming titles include Gori: Cuddly Carnage, Hotel Architect and Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles.

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