Nat switches sides

This is some pretty big news although not entirely unexpected. According to Variety, Natalie will be stepping into the directors chair for the first time to shoot A Tale of Love and Darkness, about Amos Oz. We had a rumour about this project quite in February but now its definitely a go.

It gets even better, you gotta read this to believe it:

Natalie Portman has inked a two-year production deal with Participant Prods. for her newly formed Handsomecharlie Films shingle.

Banner’s first project is “A Tale of Love and Darkness,” on which Portman plans to make her feature helming debut. Story is based on the bestselling memoir of Amos Oz, with Naomi Foner (“Running on Empty”) in negotiations to adapt the screenplay. That project, however, is not set up at Participant.

Annette Savitch has been tapped veep of development for L.A.-based Handsomecharlie Films, which will develop socially relevant films.

Portman said she was inspired by Participant’s mandate to produce such forward-thinking projects as “Syriana,” “Good Night, and Good Luck” and documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”

“We all have the same desire to make meaningful and artistically fulfilling films and are committed to the idea of stories leading to greater empathy and action for world issues,” Portman said.

Participant prexy Ricky Strauss lauded Portman for her interest “in projects that entertain and empower.” He added: “She has the heart of an artist and an activist. It just seems like a natural relationship, and we couldn’t be more pleased.”

Handsomecharlie films? AHAHAHAHA. Brilliant.

I personally can’t wait to see her directing chops.

Hard to follow that up but we do have some other goodies.

Jessi sent in this great photo of what could be the FINCA album cover.

Now for some gallery updates from Pasha.

Nat and Nathan go for a walk in Manhattan – We were hoping for bigger versions before putting up the gallery but that doesn’t seem to be happening. If you can help, please send us a line.

Leaving Apartment gallery updated

West Village Shopping gallery updated

Berlin Restaurant gallery updated

Ciao for now