“Kevin Costner Reflects on His Passion Project Journey”
LOS ANGELES: Oscar-winner Kevin Costner brought his long-awaited passion project, Horizon: An American Saga, to theaters this summer. A labor of love since 1988, Costner took on multiple roles—writing, producing, financing, starring in, and directing the film. The effort was met with acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival, where it earned an impressive 11-minute standing ovation. Although the international box office response was mixed, the second installment of the saga is anticipated, with its release date yet to be announced.
“This has been a journey for me,” Costner reflected on the enthusiastic reception at Cannes. “To see people stand and applaud for so long was overwhelming. I had to shut out the noise for a while and reflect on my professional journey and the journey of ‘Horizon.’ I felt deeply grateful for staying true to the project.”
Horizon: An American Saga delves into a Western narrative, emphasizing the experiences of Indigenous Americans during the period of colonization. The film spans a 12-year era, showcasing the impact of white settlers encroaching on indigenous lands. With a diverse cast, the film offers a nuanced perspective on the exploration of new frontiers.
Actor Sam Worthington commented, “We’re just portraying a story, but it’s rooted in the reality of people navigating uncharted territories. It helps build empathy for what actually happened during that time.”
Despite its three-hour length and deliberate pace, the film immerses viewers in a pivotal era of American history. British actress Sienna Miller appreciated the film’s depth and character development. “The long scenes and monologues were intense, but I enjoyed it,” she said.
Actress Abbey Lee praised Costner’s directorial approach, stating, “It’s a massive, epic film with hundreds of actors and real cattle in the elements. Yet, Kevin has this relaxed, natural way of guiding us through the scenes.” Co-star Isabelle Fuhrman added, “Kevin knows this story inside out. It’s been a long journey, and seeing him finally bring it to life on set has been incredible.”