Following in the footsteps of Daniel Sullivan ("The Substance of Fire"), Jerry Zaks ("Marvin's Room"), Joe Mantello ("Love! Valour! Compassion!") and Sam Mendes ("American Beauty"), Scott Elliott is the latest stage director to try his hand at film. New Group artistic director Elliott's first movie, "A Map of the World," will be released for one week beginning Dec. 3, to qualify for Academy Award consideration.

The film will be re-released on Jan. 21, 2000.

"A Map of the World" is based on the Jane Hamilton novel of the same name, about a couple's attempts to go on after being struck by sudden tragedy. The film stars Sigourney Weaver, Julianne Moore and David Strathairn.

With the New Group, Elliott has directed such acclaimed productions as Ecstacy, Curtains and Goose-Pimples. On Broadway, his credits include Present Laughter and Three Sisters (in which, Strathairn starred). His Cranes is currently playing Off Broadway.

--By Robert Simonson