Acclaimed filmmaker Claire Denis is confirmed to write and direct the upcoming cannibal crime drama 'The Soap Maker,' a project that has been gaining momentum since its initial introduction at Berlin’s EFM in 2025.
Production Team and Executive Producers
The film is being produced by Gerry Pass of Chrome Entertainment, Sacha Ben Harroche of Felix Culpa, and Ivy Freeman-Attwood of Silkscreen. Riley Keough and Gina Gammell, also of Felix Culpa, are set to executive produce. The project will be packaged by CAA, indicating strong industry backing.
True Crime Inspiration
'The Soap Maker' takes inspiration from the real-life case of Leonarda Cianciulli, an Italian woman who committed three murders in Correggio between the late 1930s and early 1940s. Cianciulli infamously disposed of her victims using chemicals, turning their remains into soaps, candles, cookies, and cakes that she then distributed to her community.
Previous and Current Projects
Denis's project is original and not a remake of the 1977 film 'Gran Bollito,' which also depicted Cianciulli's story. Denis collaborates with Andrew Litvack on the screenplay, adding to her extensive filmography that includes 'Beau Travail' (1999), 'Trouble Every Day' (2001), '35 Rhums' (2009), 'Both Sides of the Blade' (2022), and 'Stars at Noon.' Recently, she completed 'The Fence,' featuring Matt Dillon, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and Isaach De Bankolé.
Upcoming and Recent Honors
Denis is currently editing a short film for the Prada-commissioned Miu Miu Women’s Tales, set to debut at the Venice Film Festival. This year, she was honored at Cannes with the Golden Carriage (Carrosse d’Or) by Directors’ Fortnight. 'The Soap Maker' is planned as her next major project.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/claire-denis-cannibal-crime-drama-the-soap-maker-1236750617/
