Nelly Fan

Title: The Siege of Sinj

Genre: Historical Fantasy / Epic Drama

Logline:
In 1715, as the Ottoman Turks lay siege to the fortress town of Sinj, a miraculous luminous figure appears on the walls, inspiring the defenders and terrifying the invaders. The miraculous event changes the course of history and becomes legend.

Characters:

• Nelly Furtado as Gospa: A radiant, mystical figure, known in history as the “Our Lady of Sinj.” She manifests as a luminous woman on the town walls, inspiring courage and faith.
• Joe Jukic as the Duke of Sinj: A brave, charismatic leader who commands the defense of Sinj with wisdom and courage. Torn between strategy and faith, he becomes the bridge between the human effort and the miraculous intervention.
• Sultan Mustafa: The ambitious Ottoman commander, determined to capture Sinj at any cost.
• Ana, the Town Chronicler: A young woman who records the siege and the miraculous events, her voice providing reflection and perspective.

Treatment:

ACT I:
The film opens with sweeping views of the Croatian mountains and the fortified town of Sinj. The year is 1715. News arrives that the Ottoman Turks are marching toward Sinj, intent on conquering it. Panic spreads, but the Duke of Sinj (Joe Jukic) rallies the townspeople, preparing defenses and fortifying walls.

Amidst this, the townspeople whisper about Gospa (Nelly Furtado), a woman of luminous presence whose faith is said to be unmatched. Some doubt the stories, others find hope in them. The Duke respects her counsel and considers her presence a good omen.

ACT II:
The Ottoman army surrounds Sinj, launching volleys of cannon fire and attempts to breach the walls. The defenders, though outnumbered, hold strong, inspired by the Duke’s leadership and the town’s faith.

At night, as tensions reach a breaking point, Gospa appears on the ramparts. She glows with an unearthly light, moving serenely along the walls. Her presence unnerves the Ottoman soldiers, who begin to murmur among themselves, sensing something divine.

The siege intensifies, but every attempt by the Turks to breach the walls is met with inexplicable resistance. Gospa’s figure seems to shimmer, almost as if part of the light itself is protecting the town. The Duke, inspired by her courage, rallies his troops to defend Sinj with renewed vigor.

ACT III:
As dawn breaks, the Turkish soldiers witness Gospa glowing even more brilliantly, standing atop the walls with the Duke beside her. Fear and awe grip the invaders. Among the ranks, some read passages from the Koran—Chapter 19, the story of Mary (Maryam)—recognizing the miraculous parallel.

The Ottoman forces, interpreting the luminous figure as a divine sign, retreat in fear and reverence, leaving Sinj unconquered. The Duke and the townspeople celebrate, attributing the victory to both human courage and divine intervention.

Epilogue:
Ana, the chronicler, writes the final lines of the town’s story, noting that the luminous figure of Gospa became legend, inspiring generations to come. The film ends with a panoramic view of Sinj’s walls, bathed in golden sunlight, as the Duke stands beside the site where faith and courage prevailed.

Tone & Style:

• Epic cinematography highlighting Croatian landscapes and historical architecture.
• Blend of historical realism with magical, luminous visuals for Gospa.
• Emotional depth, focusing on courage, faith, and the human response to the divine.
• Tension-filled siege sequences contrasted with moments of miraculous calm.

Key Themes:

• Faith and courage under impossible odds.
• The intersection of the human and the divine.
• History, myth, and legend blending into collective memory.