David Oyelowo and Ava DuVernay are reuniting for the new film, “Heist of Benin,” more than a decade after their Academy Award-winning film “Selma.”
Oyelowo will star in the film, which is set in modern-day London and described as “a thriller that intertwines art, love and restitution.” DuVernay will direct from a screenplay by Jesse Quiñones, based on an original idea.
The project was announced on Tuesday during Canal+’s ORIGINAL+ presentation at the Olympic in Paris and marks the first feature film collaboration between DuVernay and Oyelowo since 2014’s “Selma.” In that film, Oyelowo portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. amid the 1965 Voting Rights March from Selma to Montgomery. The movie was nominated for the Academy Award for best picture and won the Oscar for best original song.
“Ava and I have been looking for the right story to tell together again. ‘Heist of Benin’ is that story,” Oyelowo said in a statement announcing the film. “It’s thrilling and high-powered with deeply resonant themes that matter to us both.”
DuVernay added, “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.”
In addition to starring in the film, Oyelowo will also produce the project under his Yoruba Saxon banner. The film is also produced by Endurance Media’s Steve Richards and Jake Katofsky alongside Yoruba Saxon’s Lisa Bruce. Quiñones will executive produce.
Studiocanal will finance, distribute and handle international sales. Ron Halpern, Shana Eddy and Sam Shipp will oversee for the studio.
“We are delighted to have a part in reuniting this dynamic creative duo on ‘Heist of Benin’ and cannot think of a better filmmaker than Ava to bring this captivating, timely heist-thriller to life,” stated Anna Marsh, CEO of Studiocanal and Chief Content Officer and deputy CEO of Canal+.
DuVernay and Oyelowo are represented by CAA. DuVernay is also repped by Cohen & Gardner. Oyelowo is also repped by Hamilton Hodell and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang. Quiñones is repped by Gersh, Industry Entertainment and Revolution Talent.
