James Cameron's SANCTUM 3D Slated For Release March 4, 2011

Jim here. Universal has set a release date for JAMES CAMERON PRESENTS SANCTUM 3D: Friday, March 4, 2011 (via Deadline).

The timing puts the diving thriller up against Sony's PRIEST which will also be in 3D. PRIEST recently had its release date changed from January 14, 2011.

Based on true events, this adventure drama concerns a father and son who are trapped in an underwater cave with a team of divers as the group strives to stay alive against all hope.

Obviously the world is watching this movie as it is the first officially "touched" project from James Cameron since AVATAR, even though he is only producing. Should be a heckuva ride.

James Cameron Talks SANCTUM!

Jim here. James Cameron was on Australia's Gold Coast recently to promote his upcoming production SANCTUM.

PHOTO: (left to right) Director Alister Grierson; Executive Producer James Cameron; Writer/Producer Andrew Wright.

From the Brisbane Times: The film Sanctum, he says, speaks volumes to the unique relationship between a father and son, and the fragility of that bond when faced with the onslaught of nature.

Says Cameron: "It’s really a character driven piece and the 3D should only be part of enhancing the experience."

Yet the location for the film is perhaps its star.

The film, with a cast including Richard Roxburgh, Rhys Wakesfield, Ioan Gruffand, Alice Parkinson and Dan Wyllie, explores an underwater cave system.

At the centre of the narrative is a team of underwater cave divers on an expedition to the depths of the ocean.
"3D works best in a very claustrophobic environment where you really feel finitely that the walls are only a few feet away," Cameron says.

"I think people are going to be [find themselves] with accelerated heart rates, tight breathing and white knuckles when they go throw the experiences of this film."

He, however, has taken a back seat, relinquishing the director’s chair for Australian filmmaker and Tropfest winner Alister Grierson.

"As a director myself I know how I like to be treated - I like to be supported and I like not to be told what to do.

"So I’m like a fairy godmother sort of producer - I just add the money and stand back. I’m here like the salesman - I’m selling you a new BMW. I didn’t build the damn thing, I’m just selling it."

Be sure to check out the rest of the interview right here. Thanks to @ProjectCould for the heads up! The more I hear about this project, the more I want it in theaters right now!

Photo credit: Steve Holland