South African-born director Liesl Tommy will direct the film adaptation of Trevor Noah’s memoir Born A Crime.

Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, who recently announced that she has signed on to star in the film as Noah’s mother, broke the news on Twitter.

Nyong’o said: ‘She’s a powerhouse whom I have known and admired for years and directed my broadway debut, Eclipsed. I can’t wait and am proud to have a South African woman at the helm of this story.’

Nyong’o is also an executive producer on the project.

Tommy hinted on Facebook that the film will be shot in South Africa:

‘So, when I went home to Cape Town for Christmas in 2016 I gave my dad, my brother, and some uncles this book Born A Crime by Trevor Noah for Christmas presents. Little did I know I would one day be sharing this announcement. To think I’ll be shooting this feature film in South Africa … just no words.

‘Thank you friends and family and Lupita and Derek Zasky and Trevor for helping me get here.’

Liesl is currently directing a play in Boston, and has directed theatre shows across the United States. She earned a Tony nomination for directing Nyong’o in the play Eclipsed. This will be her feature film directing debut.

Born A Crime was published in 2016, locally by Pan Macmillan SA. The book has won numerous awards, including the Thurber Prize for American Humor and the Nielsen Booksellers Choice Award, and was also enthusiastically publicly endorsed by Bill Gates and Hollywood star Tyler Perry.

Thrilled to share that @LieslTommy is directing the film adaptation of @TrevorNoah's #BornACrime! She's a powerhouse whom I have known & admired for years & directed my broadway debut, Eclipsed. I can't wait & am proud to have a South African woman at the helm of this story. pic.twitter.com/zKluX1u0nU

— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) March 26, 2018

https://twitter.com/LieslTommy/status/978471194633568256

Categories International Non-fiction South Africa

Tags Born A Crime Liesl Tommy Lupita Nyong'o Pan Macmillan SA Trevor Noah