Dutch star Rutger Hauer is to make hisdirectorial debut feature with ChangingFortunes, a drama set in occupied Holland during World War II.The $11.3 million projectis being put together as a UK/Dutch/Belgian co-production by Glasgow-based AlbaFilm Productions.

Hauer is also in line to play a part in the film, based onthe true story of Walraven (Wally) van Hall, anunassuming banker who created an ingenious funding scheme to support tens ofthousands of people - irrespective of race, creed or political leaning - inNazi-occupied Holland.

The film, scripted by AnniePerkins and Russ Haan, is being produced by Alba's EdCrozier. The casting director is Jeremy Zimmerman.Pre-production is due to begin in early 2007.

For Hauer,this may seem like a return to the territory of Paul Verhoeven's The Soldier Of Orange, in which he co-starred. It also deals withthe same historical period as Verhoeven's currentfeature, Black Book.

"It's important tounderstand that Changing Fortunes isnot a WWII story; it just happens to be set in that time," the actor turneddirector commented. "This film is a testament to how an individual can trulychange the world for the better, and shows the sacrifices that a person isprepared to make to realize such a change."

Alba Film Production was setup three years ago. Among other projects it has in development include a remakeof old Ealing comedy classic, Whisky Galore, which GilliesMackinnon is attached to direct. This will shoot in Scotland's Western Isles.

Crozier approached Hauer to directChanging Fortunes after seeing Hauer's 2001 short TheRoom.

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