Bill Bannerman, an AD with legendary Clint Eastwood for films like Bridges of Madison County, A Perfect World and Absolute Power, is directing a feature with Clint Eastwood's blessing. Its called "Unveiled" - a film about a Muslim Woman who has two husbands and a lover.

It's a twisted film noir/ sexy thriller/dark drama - and the first Hollywood film to feature a Female Muslim Protagonist. According to him, "Behind the dark burkha, there lies a sexy, manipulative victim, who's dangerous as well as in grave danger".

He's looking at all possibilities in casting the lead role - Hillary Swank, Penelope Cruz have shown interest, but they want the actress to be a South Asian or from the Middle East who'll understand the character of a Muslim woman from the Middle East and lend a degree of authenticity in terms of accent, body language, knowledge of customs, etc.

Clint Eastwood's entire cast of the Oscar nominated "Letters From Iwo Jima" was from Japan and Babel has actors from Morocco, Mexico, Japan playing characters from that region, and this signals the acceptance of actors from different ethnic groups and countries in mainstream Hollywood. Bill has been looking at several actresses from the region and is coming to India to finalize an actress.

But whoever it is, it will be one of the most monumental casting decisions for the Indian film Industry as it means an entry into the Clint Eastwood camp, and also the lead role in a Hollywood film.

About Bill Bannerman

He has been Clint Eastwood's AD and Second Unit Director. He has won Director's Guild of America Oscar for best AD for "Unforgiven" which went on to win Oscars for best director and Best Film. He has done four films with Clint that includes - Bridges of Madison County, A Perfect World and Absolute Power.

He has been Development Executive for 'Payback', 'Mission Impossible' and 'Star Trek: First Contact' and also the Executive Producer for: 'The Grudge 2' and 'Walking Tall'. Moreover, he has also been an Assistant Director for movies like 'The Hulk', 'Another Stakeout', 'Alive' and 'The Crush'