Madonna to Direct Biopic About Michaela DePrince
Michaela DePrince's incredible life story - going from her childhood war-torn Sierra Leone to a career on the stage of the Dutch National Ballet - sounds like something straight out of Hollywood. Now, it's coming to the big screen. According to Deadline, Madonna will direct a biopic based on DePrince's 2014 memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina. Camilla Blackett will adapt the script.
According to DePrince's website, she "was born in war-torn Sierra Leone during the country’s decade-long civil war. Rebels killed her father, and shortly after her mother died of fever and starvation."
Her vitiligo, a condition characterized by skin discoloration, "was considered a curse of the devil," reads her About Me page, and led to her uncle bringing her to an orphanage.
Eventually she was adopted and brought to the United States, where she discovered her passion for dance. DePrince's story was previously featured in the 2012 documentary First Position. She is now soloist at the Dutch National Ballet.
While Madonna is better known for her work as a musician and an actress, Taking Flight won't be her directorial debut. The one-name icon has served as director on several projects including the 2013 short, Secret Project Revolution.
"Michaela’s journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity," she said. "We have a unique opportunity to shed light on Sierra Leone and let Michaela be the voice for all the orphaned children she grew up beside. I am honored to bring her story to life."
Casting information and filming dates have yet to be shared publicly. We'll be sure to update as soon as we know more.
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