Upcoming Antinous Film by Artist Stuart Sanford Gets Gus Van Sant Backing

Variety recently announced that famed and award-winning director Gus Van Sant has signed on to "back" the new Antinous film project which starts filming later this year. Van Sant, the out gay Academy Award winner for Good Will Hunting and Milk will, says of the project “I’m excited to see Stuart Sandford, an amazing photographer and sculptor, create a beautiful film inspired by the historical relationship between Hadrian and Antinous.”

Sandford, a visual artist and sculptor based across London, Los Angeles, and Mexico City, will direct the film from his script about Antinous, the gay lover of Roman emperor Hadrian who ruled from 117-138. Described as a "psychosexual thriller," the film will take place contemporarily in the world of Hollywood. Sanford's Antinous is a young actor who becomes convinced he's the reincarnation of the ancient Roman, allowing a storyline that bridges the millennia between the ancient world, and the youth-and-beauty-obsessed world of the modern film industry.

Marble bust of Antinous.
Lover of Emperor Hadrian. pic.twitter.com/rppap05eIL

— ♱ (@ComplvtvmC) January 8, 2025

Sanford says of his upcoming film:

Antinous has been on my mind for more than a decade, and his story is one that few people know about,” Sandford said. “As an artist, my work brings together ideas from classical antiquity into a contemporary context. This film takes that concept and expands it greatly. It’s a reflection of enduring struggles with identity, desire, sexuality, obsession, fame, power and societal expectations—themes just as relevant today as they were in antiquity. Antinous’ story takes on profound significance. His life reminds us of the fear and vulnerability that comes with living authentically under oppressive systems.

Sanford stands with his sculpture "Adlocutio (Sean Ford)":

 

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Co-producer Ben Charles Edwards explains the enduring legacy and contemporary themes of the little-known historical figure:

This is a story that has remained in the shadows for far too long—a young man whose life and death have rippled through history in art, literature and legend, yet remains largely unknown. Antinous’ story is not just history, it’s a reflection of enduring struggles with identity, desire and societal expectations—themes as relevant today as they were in antiquity.

Sanford's sculpture "The Wrestler/s":

 

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Antinous will be Sanford's directorial debut. Filming will begin later this Spring in London, LA, and Greece.

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