The eco-thriller Arctic 30 has received a significant boost as Arctic and Stowaway director Joe Penna signs on to direct the project, revealed by Deadline exclusive. Based on real events, the film presents the gripping story of 30 Greenpeace activists who were detained by Russian commandos after protesting Arctic drilling in 2013. Their detention sparked a high-stakes diplomatic standoff that captured global attention.
The project, adapted from Ben Stewart’s book Don’t Trust, Don’t Fear, Don’t Beg: The Extraordinary Story of the Arctic 30, has been in development for several years. The film now has fresh energy with Nadine Jolie Courtney (Silver Seas) attached to write the screenplay, and production slated for 2025.
Producers include Hani Farsi and Nils Åstrand from Corniche Media, Laura Rister under her Esme Grace banner, and Laura Lewis of Rebelle Media. The project originally involved former Columbia chief David Puttnam and a script by Emma Thompson, but has since been revitalized with new collaborators.
Greenpeace executive director Mads Christensen expressed excitement for the film, said, “The story of the Arctic 30 is about hope and action. It is a story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things…We hope that this film can amplify their vital message.”
Penna, known for his work on survival-themed stories, shared his passion for the project: “The Arctic 30 faced more than nature’s wrath — they stood against human indifference, corporate greed, governmental might. This is a story of David versus Goliath, played out on a vast stage of ice and sky.”
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