Rhombus Media has confirmed that Silk, François Girard’s first feature since 1998’s The Red Violin, will begin shooting in early February in Japan.

The ambitious $26-million project is based on Alessandro Baricco’s novel of the same title, and will star Michael Pitt (The Dreamers, Last Days) and current It girl Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride & Prejudice). The production is an Italian/Canadian/Japanese copro to be distributed by New Line Cinema.

Silk is the story of a married silkworm smuggler (Pitt) in 19th century France who ventures to Japan to gather his illegal booty. There, he falls for a gorgeous woman (Knightley). The two exchange letters despite not speaking the same language, and ultimately the smuggler’s wife becomes suspicious.

In March, Girard’s shoot will move to Rome for another six weeks of filming. Second unit shooting will also take place in Russia and Egypt. Girard has reunited with the cinematographer he used for The Red Violin, Alain Dostie.