According to Deadline, Coppola has been quietly filming "Sunrise" for some time now. Actor Val Kilmer is starring in the film alongside "Super 8" actress Elle Fanning and the venerable Bruce Dern, who previously starred in the Coppola-scripted "The Great Gatsby." Shooting is taking place on Coppola's property in Napa, California.

Few details are known about "Sunrise," though the film is said to be "a thriller with overtones of horror." Based on a short story written by Coppola, "Sunrise" focuses on Kilmer's character, a horror novelist. The filmmaker allegedly sought out Kilmer specifically for the role.

"Sunrise" marks the third feature film Coppola has directed since "The Rainmaker" in 1997, and the first horror movie since he directed "Bram Stoker's Dracula." Of course, Coppola hasn't been entirely absent from the movie scene, having served as a producer on his daughter Sofia Coppola's films like "The Virgin Suicides," "Marie Antoinette" and the forthcoming "Somewhere," which also stars Elle Fanning.

But while Coppola has maintained his presence as a producer, it's nonetheless a thrill to see the "Apocalypse Now" and "The Godfather" director getting back behind the lens in such a hands-on capacity, and with a solid cast to boot. "Twixt Now and Sunrise" has instantly risen to the top of our watch list.

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