Madonna will direct the MGM drama “Taking Flight”, based on the life of ballerina Michaela De Prince, who is currently second soloist at the Dutch National Ballet.
MGM has been developing “Taking Flight” since 2015, when it first bought rights to Michaela and Elaine DePrince’s memoir, “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina.”
The book follows Michaela DePrince’s life from an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone to a world-renowned ballerina.
“Michaela’s journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity,” Madonna said. “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 will direct from a screenplay by Camilla Blackett (“New Girl”). Alloy Entertainment’s Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton will produce alongside Ben Pugh and Guy Oseary. MGM Production president Jonathan Glickman and Tabitha Shick are overseeing the project on behalf of the studio.
A release date for the film has not been announced.
Press release and Photo Dutch National Ballet
