She started her career as a dancer.
And now Madonna is set to direct a new film about one incredible ballerina’s life story.
The singer/actress was announced as the director for Taking Flight, a film based on ballerina Michaela DePrince’s life and memoir on Tuesday.
Storyteller: Madonna was just announced as the director of film Taking Flight, which tells the story of ballerina Michaela DePrince, who overcame a childhood in war-stricken Sierra Leone to become a world class ballerina
Taking Flight is an adaptation of Michaela DePrince’s own memoir Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, with screenplay written by Camilla Blackett of Fresh Off The Boat and New Girl.
DePrince overcame a childhood in war-stricken Sierra Leone to become a world class ballerina.
She made her debut at age 17 in South Africa’s Joburg Ballet and also appeared in Beyonce’s Lemonade.
Madonna explained that she felt a deep and immediate connection with Michaela’s story, saying: ‘Michaela’s journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity.’
Her journey: DePrince overcame a childhood in war-stricken Sierra Leone to become a world class ballerina, making her debut at age 17 in South Africa’s Joburg Ballet and appearing in Beyonce’s Lemonade, among other amazing credits
Connected: Madonna (above in 2016) explained that she felt a deep and immediate connection with Michaela’s story, saying: ‘Michaela’s journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity’
The star continued: ‘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.’
Madonna has had an ongoing interest in human rights issues in Africa which only increased after she adopted four children from Malawi.
After announce Madge as director of the upcoming flick, Alloy Entertainment’s Leslie Morgenstein expressed her excitement about having the starlet onboard.
‘We were immediately awestruck by Michaela’s journey and know Madonna’s vision and passion for the material will deliver a film that inspires audiences everywhere,’ the producer said.
Dancer: DePrince overcame a childhood in war-stricken Sierra Leone to become a world class ballerina; seen in Lemonade
Action! This isn’t Madonna’s first time in the director’s chair. She was previously behind the camera for the 2008 comedy Filth and Wisdom and the Wallis Simpson drama W.E. Above she’s seen
No cast or release date has been set for Taking Flight.
This isn’t Madonna’s first time in the director’s chair.
She was previously behind the camera for the 2008 comedy Filth and Wisdom and the Wallis Simpson drama W.E.
Madonna is also working on a film adaptation of the novel “The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells.
Flying high! No cast or release date has been set for Taking Flight. Above Michaela is seen in June 2012