'Hamlet' project could prevent Hardwicke visit

Director Catherine Hardwicke's latest project, announced earlier this week, could prevent her expected visit to the Rio Grande Valley in September, a representative from the organization sponsoring her visit said today.

Hardwicke, a McAllen High School graduate, was to be the headline guest at the CineSol Film Festival, scheduled to begin Sept. 11. But her plans to direct an modern-day adaptation of the film Hamlet could prevent that from happening, said festival director Henry Serrato.

"Hardwicke agreed to come down but dependent on upcoming projects.  So, should a paid gig arise, there is a chance she might not make it," Serrato said in an e-mail. "I have yet to find out if this new project will affect her visit to the Valley."

It was announced earlier this week that Hardwicke would team up with Emile Hirsch, whom she directed in Lords of Dogtown, to create a supernatural thriller based on the William Shakespeare play.

The story, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, would take place at a small East Coast liberal art college, where Hamlet's father is the president. In the movie, Hamlet, played by Hirsch, discoveris his father's death was caused by his uncle in an attempt to take over his post at the college, according the publication.

The developing studio, Overture Films,  has nabbed a number of big names for the project, including Philadelphia writer Ron Nyswaner and Milk producers Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, it was reported.

Production on the film would begin soon after the final script is completed, although when that would happen is yet unknown.

Calls to Hardwicke's office for comment were not returned late this week.

Serrato said the festival would attempt to replace the Twilight director with another big name should she cancel. Whatever happens, he said, he support the project.

"I think it's great," he said. "If she is not able to make it to the Valley because of this project, we will get her next year."

Other guests for the festival have not been booked yet, but many are being confirmed, Serrato added.