Barry Jenkins, Leonardo Dicaprio, and Netlfix are all teaming up to create feature film version of the documentary Virunga.
The original documentary Virunga was released on Netflix’s streaming platform in 2014, where shortly after that, the doc picked up an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature. The doc follows a small group of individuals risking their lives to save the last of the mountain gorillas in Congo. The doc was both written and directed by Orlando von Einsiedel.
Jenkins has been set to direct the new film. His previous work includes If Beale Street Could Talk and Moonlight, which won an Oscar for Best Picture.
Dicaprio served as a producer on the original documentary and has now transitioned to acting in the feature film adaptation.
Dicaprio’s partners at his Appian Way banner, Jennifer Davisson and Phillip Watson, will both serve as producers for the upcoming feature.
Additionally, Oscar-winner Joanna Natasegara will also serve as a producer along with von Einsiedel, who will serve as executive producer.
No plot details of the feature film haven been released yet, but it is known that everyone working on the project is drawing inspiration from those heroes portrayed in the documentary.
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