Toronto and L.A.-based Lumanity Productions has inked a deal with Detroit-based author Christine Mangan (pictured left) for rights to her critically acclaimed novel, The Continental Affair.

Lumanity’s Robert Budreau (Born to be Blue; pictured right) is set to write, direct and co-produce the film, according to a news release.

Published by Flatiron (a division of Macmillan) in 2023, The Continental Affair is an early 1960s romantic crime caper about a couple who fatefully cross paths one morning in Europe.

The option deal was brokered by Budreau on behalf of Lumanity and CAA on behalf of Mangan.

“I am thrilled to bring Christine’s brilliant novel to the big screen,” said Budreau in a statement. “I love the suspenseful and psychologically complex Hitchcockian tones of this European adventure. The two richly layered lead characters are fantastic roles for actors and the story is an evocative and fresh take on the romantic crime caper.”

Budreau is represented by CAA, and Amotz Zakai, Adam Riback and Chris Davis at Echo Lake Entertainment. Mangan is represented by CAA and her publishing agent is Elisabeth Weed at The Book Group.

Photo of Christine Mangan by Caset Carsello; The Continental Affair cover courtesy of Flatiron; photo by Robert Budreau by Keri Anderson