Selma’s Director and Star to Try Again for Oscars with Hurricane Katrina Film

Third time’s the charm? Before Ava DuVernay directed David Oyelowo as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, the two collaborated on a little-seen indie film called Middle of Nowhere. But while no one expected that movie to get the Academy’s attention, there was genuine outrage when these two artists failed to receive Oscar nominations this year, despite a Best Picture nod for Selma.

Now, Variety is reporting that DuVernay and Oyelowo will be coming together again for a new film set during Hurricane Katrina. DuVernay will write, produce and direct and Oyelowo will produce and star in the untitled project.

“Hurricane Katrina is one of the most important social and environmental stories of our time,” Participant Media’s Jonathan King, who will serve as an executive producer said in a statement. “Ava DuVernay has shown herself to be highly skilled at bringing intimacy and contemporary urgency to epic events. We have been looking for the right way to get back in business with Ava, and with David Oyelowo, and are proud to reteam with them on her original idea, which we believe will be a powerful film.”

“The story we’re interested in will explore the complexities of intimate relationships within times of chaos, while also examining the chaos itself,” DuVernay added. “I’m looking forward to the journey.”

[Photo via screengrab]

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