Ava DuVernay, right, director of the film "Selma," and cast member David Oyelowo pose together at the Four Seasons Hotel on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
PARIS — More than a decade after their acclaimed collaboration on the Academy Award-winning Selma, director Ava DuVernay and actor David Oyelowo are officially teaming up again. The duo announced their latest project, Heist of Benin, during the Studiocanal Paris showcase on Tuesday.
The film, described as a contemporary thriller, marks a significant return to feature filmmaking for the pair, who first worked together on the 2012 indie drama Middle of Nowhere before their historic success with the Martin Luther King Jr. biopic.
A Modern Tale of Art and Restitution
Set against the backdrop of modern-day London, Heist of Benin is being billed as a high-octane adventure that tackles deeply resonant themes of history, identity, and the repatriation of stolen artifacts.
The story reportedly draws inspiration from the real-world controversy surrounding the Benin Bronzes—thousands of metal plaques and sculptures looted by British forces from the Kingdom of Benin (modern-day Nigeria) in 1897.
“Ava and I have been looking for the right story to tell together again,” Oyelowo said in a statement. “Heist of Benin is that story. It’s thrilling and high-powered with deeply resonant themes that matter to us both.”
Key Details of the Production
Director: Ava DuVernay
Starring: David Oyelowo
Screenwriter: Jesse Quiñones (Original Story)
Producers: David Oyelowo (Yoruba Saxon), Steve Richards (Endurance Media), Lisa Bruce
Studio: STUDIOCANAL
“Full Circle” Collaboration
For DuVernay, whose most recent feature was the 2023 experimental drama Origin, this project represents a shift toward genre-driven storytelling while maintaining her signature focus on social justice and historical legacy.
“Reuniting with David in this way feels full circle,” DuVernay added. “This film speaks to history, identity, and love, all through the lens of a high-stakes, modern adventure.”
STUDIOCANAL will finance and handle international sales for the film. While a production start date has not yet been confirmed, the project is already generating significant buzz as one of the most anticipated collaborations in the coming year.
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