Filmmaker Raoul Peck and his production company Velvet Film is undertaking yet another cinematic opus: a feature on the life of German intellectual Karl Max. Peck, was of course, partly educated in Germany.

Cast members for the film include the French actors August Diehl, Stefan Konarske, Luxembourg actress Vicky Krieps and Olivier Gourmet, a dramatic actor from Belgium. The film is being promoted as a biopic and will cover four years (1844-1848) in the life of the famous thinker. It will also explore his friendship with Fredriech Engels, himself a famous philosophical figure in 19th Century Europe.

As is usually the case with his films, Mr. Peck is not only directing, but took part in the writing of the screenplay. He co-wrote Le Jeune Karl Marx (the French title of the film) with screenwriters Pascal Bonitzer and Pierre Hodgson.

Even before Peck started filming the project in Belgium, French firm Diaphana picked up the film for distribution. Well, good for Mr. Peck. Le Jeune Karl Marx is set to be released next year.

Photo Credit: Mark Marsland