Award-Winning Short Film 'Bonding' Set for Feature-Length Adaptation

9 Lives Entertainment has announced plans to adapt its award-winning short film 'Bonding' into a feature-length production. The original short, which premiered at the Academy Award-qualifying St Kilda Film Festival in June 2023, has garnered over 70 awards and 70 nominations, including recognition at BAFTA and Canadian Screen Award qualifying events.

The feature film will expand on the short's narrative, following Dr. John Flemington, a CIA clinical/forensic psychologist, as he uncovers the startling truth that his estranged father is none other than the iconic spy, James Bond. This revelation leads Dr. Flemington into a world of espionage, interstellar communication, and the mysterious Gateway Process—a real CIA operation developed in collaboration with the Monroe Institute to explore consciousness beyond physical boundaries.

Steven Lancaster, Executive Producer at 9 Lives Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, 'We're excited to continue Bonding's journey with a feature-length film. This is a unique opportunity to expand on the rich world we've created.' The company is actively seeking partners to bring this ambitious vision to the big screen.

The short film's success across various festivals and its numerous accolades, including awards for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Music, have set a high bar for the feature adaptation. Notably, 'Bonding' received the Outstanding Proof of Concept Award at the Pitch to Screen Film Festival in New York City, further validating its potential as a full-length feature.

This development marks a significant milestone for 9 Lives Entertainment, a company established in 2022 with a focus on producing high-quality cinematic shorts and proof-of-concept projects for feature films and TV series. The expansion of 'Bonding' into a feature film represents the company's growing ambitions and its ability to captivate audiences with compelling storytelling.

The adaptation of 'Bonding' into a feature film has implications for both the entertainment industry and audiences. It showcases the potential for short films to serve as launchpads for larger productions, providing a platform for innovative storytelling and new talent. For the spy thriller genre, the film promises to bring a fresh perspective by blending traditional espionage elements with themes of family legacy and consciousness exploration.

The inclusion of the real-world CIA Gateway Process in the narrative adds a layer of intrigue and relevance, potentially sparking public interest in historical government programs and their implications for understanding human consciousness. This blend of fact and fiction could set 'Bonding' apart in a crowded film market, offering viewers a unique cinematic experience that challenges perceptions of reality and the nature of espionage.

As the project moves forward, industry observers and film enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how 9 Lives Entertainment translates the success of the short film into a feature-length production. The development of 'Bonding' represents not just the growth of a single project, but the potential emergence of a new voice in filmmaking, one that combines critical acclaim with popular appeal.