Penelope Cruz to star in drama 'Layover'

Los Angeles: Actress Penelope Cruz has come on board to star in and produce the drama "Layover".

Director, writer and actress Toni Kalem will be directing from her own script. Cruz will produce with Animus Films Jim Young and Serena Films Tatiana Kelly.

Fortitude International's Nadine de Barros and Robert Barnum are executive producers and Fortitude International is financing the project, reports variety.com.

The project, currently in pre-production, is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by best-selling author Lisa Zeidner. The story focuses on a successful travelling saleswoman.

Fortitude International is handling foreign rights and will present the project to buyers in Cannes Film Festival next month.

Toni Kalem's beautifully layered adaptation of Lisa Zeidner's acclaimed book is a provocative blend of humour and heartbreak, Kelly said.

With the addition of the incomparable Penelope Cruz to our team, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase such strong female talent both in front of and behind the camera.