Director Roman Polanski, still wanted in the U.S. on statutory rape charges, is reportedly looking to the Polish government for protection while he shoots his next film, “An Officer and a Spy.”
The 80-year-old “Carnage” director fled the U.S. in 1978 prior to his sentencing after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor. He’s been living in Paris ever since, as France forbids extradition of its citizens to the U.S.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Polanski now wants the Polish government to guarantee his security from any U.S. extradition request while he shoots “An Officer and a Spy,” a biopic about a 19th-century French military officer falsely accused of espionage.
In Poland, the charges against Polanski have long passed the statute of limitations, but Polanski still wants official guarantees on his legal security before fully committing to the project, according to the Reporter.
“Both the artistic and technical conditions proposed by Polish studios fulfill expectations,” Robert Benmussa, his producer, told the Polish Film Institute. “But the final decision ultimately depends on the legal security of Roman Polanski in Poland.”
Polanski has been surveying locations in Krakow and Warsaw with executives from the Polish Film Institute and several top studios. He’s also rented an apartment in Krakow and opened a Polish bank account, THR reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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