Samantha Geimer Memoir ‘The Girl’ to Receive Major Film Adaptation
BERLIN, 3 February 2026 – The notorious 1977 sexual assault scandal involving director Roman Polanski is set to be revisited on the silver screen, this time through the lens of the victim, Samantha Geimer. The upcoming production, titled The Girl, aims to reclaim the narrative of the then 13-year-old girl whose life was forever altered by the events in Los Angeles nearly five decades ago.
Reclaiming the Narrative
Based on Geimer’s own memoir, the film is being positioned as a definitive account of the statutory rape scandal that led to Polanski’s flight from the United States. While the case has been the subject of numerous documentaries and legal analyses over the years, The Girl marks a significant shift by focusing exclusively on Geimer’s personal experience and the long-term shadow cast by the media circus and legal proceedings that followed.
The project has reportedly gained momentum ahead of the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, with WestEnd Films boarding the production to handle international sales. The adaptation seeks to move beyond the “Hollywood scandal” headlines to provide a harrowing and objective look at the impact of the crime on a minor.
Key Details of the Production
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Title | The Girl |
| Source Material | The Girl: A Life in the Shadow of Roman Polanski (Memoir) |
| Subject | Samantha Geimer |
| Sales Agent | WestEnd Films |
| Market Launch | European Film Market (EFM) 2026 |
Legal and Historical Context
Roman Polanski was arrested in 1977 and charged with six offences against Geimer, who was then known as Samantha Gailey. After pleading guilty to the charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, Polanski fled to France in 1978 before sentencing could be finalised. He has remained a fugitive from the American justice system ever since, residing primarily in France and Poland, where he continued his career as a filmmaker despite ongoing international controversy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the new movie ‘The Girl’?
The movie focuses on the 1977 statutory rape case from the perspective of the victim, Samantha Geimer, based on her published memoir. It aims to highlight her personal journey rather than the director’s legal battles.
Is Roman Polanski involved in the production?
No. The film is an independent adaptation of Geimer’s book and is intended to provide a voice to the victim of the scandal.
When will the film be released?
While a specific release date has not been confirmed, the project is currently being presented to buyers at the European Film Market in February 2026, suggesting a production cycle throughout the coming year.