Oscar Nominee Talal Derki Preps Epic Fantasy Series Set in Ancient Mesopotamia (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Christopher Vourlias Oscar-nominated Syrian filmmaker Talal Derki (“Of Fathers and Sons”) is developing an epic fantasy series set in ancient Mesopotamia that marks the acclaimed documentarian’s first foray into episodic content.“Shemesh Kingdom” takes place in the cradle of civilization five thousand years ago, where a prophecy foretells a great catastrophe that will wipe mankind from the face of the Earth.

Only one nation will survive, led by a chosen man – the Master of the Crossing – who will usher them into the eternal Kingdom of Shemesh.Derki, who is planning four seasons of the English-language series, described “Shemesh Kingdom” as “new blood” for audiences, adding: “It’s a different point of view about this type of fantasy [series].” The series begins at a time of peace between the three kingdoms that rule over the ancient world: the kingdom of the East, Gergana; of the West, Lukiana; and of Middle Earth, Azaria.

These three civilizations were built by the descendants of Ottonebeshtem, the second father of humanity who saved it from the Great Flood.Season 1 takes place in the Middle Kingdom, as a horrified shepherd enters the city of Uruk – the greatest metropolis of its time – with a warning to the gathering crowd: the Master of Evil, a demon recognized by his telltale stigmata, has appeared in the kingdom, signalling that the end times are near.The shepherd’s warning triggers unrest in the once peaceful city, setting the storyline in motion.

Season 1 will follow Gemish – the king of kings of his era, and the first engineer of human civilization – as he grapples with the consequences of this prophecy for his kingdom.