An "epic spy thriller" starring a Ukranian born co-star of Tom Cruise is to be brought to the screen by two Wimbledon filmmakers.

Shamim Sarif, 43, and Hanan Kattan, 51, who are based in Kingston but live in Copse Hill, Wimbledon, announced their fourth feature film at this year’s Cannes Film Festival: Despite the Falling Snow.

Based on Miss Sarif’s novel of the same name, the spy thriller is set in cold war Russia and will star Olga Kurylenko as its leading lady who recently starred alongside Tom Cruise in blockbuster Oblivion and previously opposite Daniel Craig in Quantum of Solace.

She will star alongside Charles Dance who is currently starring in fantasy series Game of Thrones.

Miss Sarif said: "With independent films there is always a lot more product than there is financing so it’s always a challenge.

"One of the things that has given us a head start is working as a partnership.

"Hannan is extremely passionate and tenacious and it is what we are really passionate about.

"The story has been really strong so financiers and cast have been attracted to the story."

On arriving in Cannes to announce their film at the famous film festival, she said: "There are two sides to Cannes.

"One is the side that everyone sees and the red carpets and the premiers, but the other side is the film makers.

"We don’t see any films in Cannes but spend our time going from meeting to meeting.

"The days of one person or studio financing a film are long gone and Cannes is the only place where everyone is in one place and that you can do that."

She added: "[The film] has got an excellent reaction.

"People were really impressed with the quality of the cast for a small independent film.

"I think since Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy people are really interested in stories based in the Cold War." Locations are yet to be decided but Miss Sarif said they hope to keep it primarily British based.

Filming is due to start in the autumn.