Madonna really is a woman of all trades.
MGM announced Tuesday that the iconic pop star will direct a film on dancer Michaela DePrince.
DePrince, originally from Sierra Leone, became a successful ballerina against all odds. Despite losing both parents at a young age in war-ridden Sierra Leone, she made it big debuting as a professional dancer at 17 to appearing in Beyoncé’s Lemonade project on HBO.
The biopic, titled Taking Flight, will chronicle the life of DePrince who rose to fame after her participation in the 2012 documentary First Position, which followed the ballet dancer as she prepared for the Youth America Grand Prix in New York City.
In a press release, Madonna spoke of the deep connection she feels with DePrince and the project.
“Michaela’s journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity. 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.”
Taking Flight will be Madonna’s third feature-length production.
