Critically acclaimed stage director Scott Elliot will embark upon his first film venture on Sept. 21 when he begins shooting A Map of the World in Toronto. The movie stars Sigourney Weaver, Julianne Moore and David Strathairn, said a spokesman for the Overseas Film Group, which is producing the film.

A Map of the World is based on Jane Hamilton's national best-seller. It concerns a couple's struggle to overcome sudden tragedy and find hope in a world that seems to have abandoned them.

The movie represents Elliot's film debut. Elliot is the artistic director of the lauded Off-Broadway troupe The New Group. He rose to prominence a few years ago with his gritty, naturalistic production of Mike Leigh's Ecstasy. His has since directed acclaimed renditions of Curtains and Goose-Pimples. He has also mounted Broadway productions of Coward's Present Laughter and Chekhov's Three Sisters.

Weaver most recently appeared on Broadway in Christopher Durang's Sex and Longing. Strathairn frequently returns to the New York stage, including a turn as Vershinin in Elliot's Three Sisters and a lead role in Eyes For Consuela at MTC.

Overseas Film Group is also behind Julie Taymor's film Titus, currently shooting in Rome. No release date has been set for Map. -- By Robert Simonson