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Daniel Morcombe's abduction and murder is to be made into a film.

It’s a heart-wrenching story that touched every Australian, and now it’s set for the international big screen.

Since their son’s disappearance in 2003, Bruce and Denise Morcombe have worked tirelessly to promote child safety, telling Daniel’s story in the hopes they can prevent other families from having to go through the same heartbreak.

Today the couple have announced that the story behind Daniel’s disappearance and murder is being taken to the big screen in the form of a feature film.

Daniel was just 13 when he was abducted in 2003.

The Morcombes have signed a deal with Australian producer Rod Hopping from Heritage Films after talks that have lasted more than a year.

“We believe that some of the roles that will be on offer will draw in some of Australia’s best recognised international talent,” Hopping said.

“Our goal is also to be able to take this story globally.”

Read more: Keeping our children safe. That must be Daniel Morcombe’s legacy.

The film will be directed by Australian Peter Cousens, whose latest film Freedom stars Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cousens said the film, to be called Where Is Daniel?, will pry open the story for the world to see, exposing the details behind the young boys abduction and the murder investigation that eventually led police to the killer.

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“It is impossible not to see this story in the context of the forces of good and evil, which makes it ideal for cinematic treatment,” he said.

Daniel’s parents, Denise and Bruce Morcombe.

Daniel’s father, Bruce Morcombe, said he and Denise were happy that they found a director they could trust to tell their son’s story with integrity.

“We have found a production company and director we trust and with whom we have a great connection,’’ he said.

“We believe in their hands the world will discover our story and the legacy of Daniel from the unique perspective of a feature film.”

Daniel was abducted while waiting for a bus in the Woombye district of the Sunshine Coast on December 7, 2003. In August 2011 his remains were found but it was not until last year that his killer, Brett Peter Cowan, was convicted of his murder.

Read more about his trial here: RIP Daniel Morcombe. Your parents fought for you every day of your life… and beyond.

Since that time, Cowan has appealed against the conviction. The Morcombes are expecting a ruling on the appeal to be handed down soon.

Production and casting for Where Is Daniel? will take place once a script has been developed. The film is slated for release in 2016.

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