Principal photography has begun on When Pigs Have Wings, the feature directorial debut from Sylvain Estibal, France’s Marilyn Productions announced.

The film, co-produced by StudioCanal (which is handling international sales and French distribution) is also co-produced by France’s Rhamsa Films, Germany’s Barry Films and Saga Film of Belgium. Franck Chorot is producer.

Estibal’s original screenplay follows Jafaar, a poor Palestinian fisherman who, after a storm at sea, reels in a pot-bellied pig along with his usual catch. He attempts to sell the “impure” beast but trying to profit from a pig in Gaza isn’t the easiest task in the world. Jafaar and the pig ultimately become entangled in an extraordinary chain of events and a dubious line of work.

The film began shooting on Monday and will continue production in Malta and Cologne with star Sasson Gabay of The Band’s Visit.

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