Kiah Roache-Turner is set to captivate audiences once again with his upcoming WWII thriller, ‘Dogs of War.’ Following the success of his previous ventures, Roache-Turner delves into a different facet of wartime history, blending real historical figures with high-concept genre elements. This time, he focuses on a British commando squad’s perilous mission in a Nazi-infested forest on the Eastern Front. The film promises a gripping narrative filled with suspense and unexpected alliances.
With principal photography slated to begin in Q1 of next year across Australia and Bulgaria, ‘Dogs of War’ boasts a stellar cast including Daniel Webber, Bart Edwards, and Masha Basman. The film’s unique storyline, inspired by real events, revolves around delivering a vital secret weapon that could alter the course of history. However, the commandos soon realize that the forest holds horrors far beyond ordinary Nazis. The unlikely partnership with their enemy and legendary Soviet sniper Lady Death, played by Masha Basman, will be a fascinating aspect of the movie, focusing on survival as the only victory.
Kiah Roache-Turner Returns to WWII with a Twist
After his previous film focusing on young servicemen adrift in the Timor Sea, writer/director Kiah Roache-Turner is shifting his lens to the Eastern Front. ‘Dogs of War’ sees a crack squad of British commandos venturing into a Nazi-infested forest during the harsh winter. Tasked with delivering a crucial secret weapon to their allies, they soon confront a terror exceeding the Nazi threat.
Roache-Turner aims to explore a unique corner of WWII storytelling, merging historical accuracy with genre elements. As he stated, “I have always been fascinated with crack sniper Lady Death and her story, which has become such a mythical part of WW2 folklore.” This vision promises to resonate with contemporary audiences through Lady Death’s desperate fight to protect her country over 80 years ago.
The Cast and Characters of ‘Dogs of War’
Masha Basman leads the cast as the iconic Soviet sniper, Lady Death. Joining her are Daniel Webber, Bart Edwards, Robert Maaser, Jake Ryan, Josh McConville, CJ Bloomfield, and Sam Parsonson. Webber and Edwards’s roles are currently unspecified, adding anticipation. The film’s strength lies in its ensemble cast and their portrayals of war-torn individuals facing impossible choices.
Blake Northfield and Michelle Krumm of Bronte Studios expressed excitement about introducing Masha Bashman and working with Daniel Webber. “Introducing Masha Bashman is something we are all very excited about. She’s an incredible talent and we’re proud to again be producing another film led by a female action star. We’ve been wanting to work with Daniel Webber for a long time, so we’re thrilled that he’s come on board.”
Production and Filming Locations
Principal photography will commence in Q1 next year, with primary filming in the Lismore region within the NSW Northern Rivers. A smaller shoot will take place in the mountains of Sofia, Bulgaria. This blend of Australian and Bulgarian landscapes will provide a diverse backdrop for the film’s setting on the Eastern Front.
Roache-Turner reunites with previous collaborators, including cinematographer Mark Wareham, costume designer Tracey Rose Sparke, and production designer Esther Rosenberg. David Hirschfelder will serve as composer, with virtual art department specialists ModelFarm, who worked on the, leading the film’s visual effects team alongside Resin.
Architect Handling Worldwide Sales
Architect has launched worldwide sales for the project ahead of November’s AFM. Calum Gray and Max Pirkis of Architect will executive produce alongside Todd Brown. Blake Northfield and Michelle Krumm are producing for Bronte Studios, which will also handle ANZ and North American sales.
According to Northfield and Krumm, the international marketplace was “knocking down the door” for Roache-Turner’s next feature, following Beast of War. They pride themselves on pushing boundaries and creating original stories specifically produced for the international market.
Visual and Special Effects
Virtual art department specialists ModelFarm, known for their work on, will lead the film’s visual effects team, partnering with Resin. With the film blending historical elements with high-concept genre elements, the visual effects are expected to enhance the terror and suspense. The collaboration between ModelFarm and Resin promises innovative and seamless integration of VFX.
From the Nazi-infested forest to the supernatural elements, the visual effects will play a crucial role in bringing Roache-Turner’s vision to life. This ensures that ‘Dogs of War’ will not only be a gripping war story but also a visually stunning cinematic experience.
Kiah Roache-Turner’s ‘Dogs of War’ promises a thrilling and unique perspective on WWII, blending historical elements with supernatural suspense. With a stellar cast, diverse filming locations, and a dedicated production team, the film is poised to captivate audiences worldwide. The collaboration between talented individuals ensures a high-quality cinematic experience.
As the film progresses through production, the blending of genres and exploration of historical themes will bring new depth and excitement to the WWII narrative. ‘Dogs of War’ is set to be a cinematic journey that combines the horrors of war with the intrigue of the unknown, leaving audiences with a memorable and thought-provoking experience.

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