Netflix on Tuesday announced the start of production on Operation TAP, its first film in Portugal. The company said the feature is directed by João Nuno Pinto.
Netflix said the film stars Rui Pedro Silva, Afonso Pimentel, and Victoria Guerra. According to the company, the story is loosely based on the hijacking of a TAP flight in 1980 by a 16-year-old. Netflix described the project as an adventure with an ’80s feel that blends tension and emotion.
A synopsis released by Netflix says the plot follows an armed teenager who hijacks a plane to Madrid and demands $10 million, turning passengers and crew into hostages for a night of tension and uncertainty. The synopsis says what begins as a threat of violence reveals an unexpected story of empathy and humanity between the young hijacker and those he holds hostage.
Netflix said Operation TAP is produced by SPi, part of the SP Televisão Group and the production company behind Glória, which it said was Netflix’s first Portuguese series. The company said the script is by Pedro Lopes, Miguel Rico, and Marina Preguiça Ribeiro.
SPi is described in the announcement as an international brand of the SP Televisão Group that develops original content for international markets and co-productions. Netflix said SPi’s portfolio includes the series Glória, Codex 632, Vanda, and Cold Haven.