Epic Games’ ongoing Epic MegaGrants program is supporting the development of an animated feature titled Gilgamesh, based on the hero from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, according to Deadline.
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Through the Epic MegaGrants program, Epic Games is providing financial support for Latin American animation studio Hook Up as well as Argentinian firms DuermeVela and FilmSharks on the film. Gilgamesh will utilize Epic Game’s Unreal Engine technology.
The story follows the exploits and adventures of the king-turned-deity Gilgamesh who was immortalized in the epic poem that is “said to have influenced Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad.” The movie will explore the demigod’s quest for immortality and his rivalry then friendship with “wild man” Enkidu.
“It’s an honour to see Epic Games supporting Gilgamesh through the Epic MegaGrants program. Although animation has done an excellent job of entertaining through comedy and colorful creatures, there is also a huge appetite and opportunity to share cultural stories and tell larger-than-life mythical tales,” said FilmSharks CEO Guido Rud.
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The project, with will have both English and Spanish versions, will be directed by Argentinian filmmaker Tomas Lipgot. Lipgot recently produced the 2019 Spanish-language feature The Adopters via his DuermeVela banner. Epic Games’ $100 million MegaGrants fund is reportedly investing in the protect; the fund is designed to support creators using Epic Games’ Unreal Technology, the real-time 3D suite of tools used for photoreal visuals and immersive experiences that has also been used on The Mandalorian and Westworld.
