Olga Kurylenko is to star opposite Russell Crowe in his directorial debut The Water Diviner, which is due to get underway in Australia on Dec 2.

Mister Smith Entertainment has boarded sales, which will begin at the AFM.

The epic adventure is set soon after the end of the First World War when an Australian father arrives in Turkey in search of the fate of his three sons, supposedly lost in the battle of Gallipoli.

It is produced by Hopscotch Features’ Andrew Mason and Troy Lum and by Keith Rodger for Crowe’s own Fear of God Films.

Andrew Knight and Andrew Anastassios wrote the screenplay.

RatPac Entertainment, having recently concluded its slate funding arrangement with Warner Bros (in partnership with Dune Entertainment) is making its first move into independent production funding with The Water Diviner.

RatPac founders James Packer and Brett Ratner will serve as executive producers for the film.

David Garrett, CEO of Mister Smith Entertainment said: “We anticipate great interest from our buyers in Russell Crowe’s directorial debut.

“It is a compelling, emotional story, set across a sweeping landscape, and the strong script together with the casting of international star Olga Kurylenko opposite Russell gives this film huge worldwide appeal.”