‘People Of The Book’ Historical Drama Seeks Worldwide Rights at TIFF Market After Valencia Wrap, With First Look Images

People of the Book, a historical drama produced by Good Films Studios Spain and presented for international buyers at the Toronto International Film Festival’s market, has completed production in Spain’s Valencia region, according to a new report from Deadline. The project is being packaged for worldwide rights sales by Bleiberg Entertainment ahead of TIFF market screenings and meetings.

Deadline reports that the film is directed by Michael Haussman, whose prior credits include Edge of the World. The screenplay is based on People of the Book, the novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks, a fact that frames the movie as an adaptation of a well-known literary work aimed at audiences seeking prestige historical storytelling.

The first-look materials for People of the Book have been shared as part of the project’s push into the TIFF ecosystem, with Deadline also stating that cast details have been revealed in connection with the launch. Ziad Bakri is among the performers identified in the report, and the production’s assembled cast is presented as part of the pitch for international distribution.

Deadline’s coverage places the rights process at TIFF’s market, where sales agents and producers typically seek commitments from buyers across multiple territories. Bleiberg Entertainment is listed as the company handling the worldwide rights sale effort, indicating that the film’s release plan will depend on market interest and subsequent distribution arrangements.

Production wrapped recently in Valencia, Spain, according to the report, connecting the project to a specific European location-based shoot rather than a set-and-stage approach. The regional filming footprint is also relevant to local economic activity tied to production services, studio support, and on-the-ground crews, though the report does not provide figures.

As of the report date of Aug. 17, 2026, no theatrical or streaming release date is stated in the provided item. The next step for People of the Book is the TIFF market process, where deals, distribution calendars, and language and territory adaptations are typically negotiated based on buyer interest.

The film’s market debut also underscores how prestige adaptations of award-winning literature continue to be positioned for global distribution. With the director and author credited and initial cast and first-look images circulated, the project is now moving from production completion into the commercial phase of rights sales and packaging for international exhibitors.