John Paul 0

Make Xenophon's "Anabasis" into a Feature Film!

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Hi everyone!

SUMMARY

The purpose of this petition is to urge Greek and American film industry producers to help further develop my new screenplay "The Ten Thousand," an adaptation of one of the greatest military adventures in Ancient Greek history that has never received it's due.

DETAILS

My name is John and I'm a writer and history enthusiast from the United States. In May 2023, I reached out to Dr. Roel Konijnendijk, a Darby Fellow of Ancient History at Oxford, to ask what Ancient Greek story has not yet been given it's due time on the big screen. Immediately, Dr. Konijnendijk suggested I adapt Xenophon's "Anabasis" into a screenplay. And so, I did.

With the return of historical epics to the big screen (i.e., Napoleon, November 2023), I think the timing couldn't be better to promote such a screenplay to producers and directors in both Greece and the United States. The story, if you are not familiar, is explained well in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEGBTZWpKKw&t=48s

My intention is for this screenplay to become one of the most historically accurate films ever made. Think Master and Commander, Saving Private Ryan, or The Passion of the Christ but for Ancient Greece. I would like for the languages of the film to be Ancient Greek and Ancient Persian (if possible). If not, I'd settle for contemporary Greek and Farsi.

Because I am not a known writer in Hollywood or Athens, I wanted to gather the support of history fans online through a petition. I will share this petition and my screenplay with film production companies in the hopes they'd agree to help me develop the screenplay and then, God willing, produce the film in Greece or the United States.

My screenplay follows Xenophon and other officers in Anabasis (e.g., Clearchus, Menon, Cheirisophus, Lycius, Cleanor, etc.), bouncing between Trebizond (in modern day Turkey) and the retreat itself through the vast Achaemenid Empire. It starts with Cyrus' army and the Battle of Cunaxa, covers the betrayal of Ariaeus, the summit race against Tissaphernes, the harrowing trek through Armenia, and the battle with the Drilae - all while keeping as close to historical accuracy as I possibly can. It's intended purpose is to not only give Xenophon's great work it's due credit but also to explore the challenges of mercenary life in Ancient Greece.

SIGN TODAY TO HELP BRING THIS ANCIENT TALE TO THE BIG SCREEN!

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