Ava DuVernay and David Oyelowo are re-teaming for the feature film Heist of Benin.
Set against the backdrop of contemporary London, Heist of Benin is described as a “thriller that intertwines art, love and restitution.” DuVernay will direct and Oyelowo will star.
It has just been announced on stage at the Studiocanal Paris showcase, which is taking place as this story publishes.
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The film marks the latest collaboration between DuVernay and Oyelowo, who also worked together on Academy Award-winning movie Selma, which earned acclaim for its portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the 1965 Voting Rights March from Selma to Montgomery. For that movie, Oyelowo played King. More recently, Oyelowo starred in DuVernay’s A Wrinkle in Time.
DuVernay said: “Reuniting with David in this way feels full circle. This film speaks to history, identity and love, all through the lens of a high-stakes, modern adventure. I’m thrilled to bring it to life with him and Studiocanal.”
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“Ava and I have been looking for the right story to tell together again,” Oyelowo added. “Heist is that story. It’s thrilling and high-powered with deeply resonant themes that matter to us both.”
The film is produced by Endurance Media’s Steve Richards and Jake Katofsky alongside Yoruba Saxon’s Lisa Bruce and Oyelowo, from an original idea and spec script from screenwriter Jesse Quiñones, who will executive produce. Studiocanal will finance, distribute and handle international sales. Ron Halpern, Shana Eddy and Sam Shipp will oversee for the studio.
Meanwhile, Studiocanal revealed on stage Elsinore, a Simon Stone and Stephen Beresford movie starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman about the life of actor Ian Charleson.