Natascha courted by filmmakers

SHE was celebrated as ‘Natascha Superstar’ after a poised and poignant appearance on national television to describe the eight years she spent imprisoned in an underground cell.

That newspaper headline may turn out to be prophetic as Austria is abuzz over reports that filmmakers from Hollywood and around the world have been scrambling to obtain exclusive rights to turn 18-year-old Natascha Kampusch’s dramatic story into a movie.

No deals have been announced, but Ms Kampusch’s media representative, Dietmar Ecker, acknowledged he has received about 30 inquiries from “large, internationally renowned film companies” since the teen bolted to freedom on August 23. He declined to identify the studios.

Ms Kampusch’s lawyer, Gabriel Lansky, conceded there has been “enormous interest” in her story, but said it was simply too early to entertain any offers. “Natascha Kampusch must first sort her life out.”

Industry experts say book and film rights could fetch up to €1.5m.