Gabourey Sidibe, who’s known for her breakout role in Lee Daniels’ 2009 drama Precious which earned her an Academy Award nomination, is set to make her directorial debut with a new psychological thriller from Gamechanger Films titled, Pale Horse. The film is based on a story by Chris Courtney Martin, which was written into a screenplay by Asabi Lee and Paul Hart-Wilden.

The film is described as a psychological thriller set in the Pacific Northwest. It follows an African American woman named Naia, a celebrated and reclusive author living with multiple sclerosis. She finds herself ensnared in a diabolical mystery when she brings in and shelters a man who escaped captivity with her long-missing brother.

“Stories like Pale Horse are long overdue in the entertainment industry, and Gamechanger is dedicated to financing and producing them: entertaining films that offer diversity in storytelling, characters and filmmakers,” said Gamechanger CEO Effie T. Brown. “In addition to our development and producing commitments, we plan to demystify the process of production through our social and partnership channels, pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to create a film. We want people of all communities to feel included in and empowered by this process.”

Gamechanger is behind other upcoming projects like Rebecca Hall’s Passing, which stars Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson and recieved high praise during its premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. Another project from the company that’s currently in post-production is the debut feature from Oscar-winning producer Oorlagh George, Stranger With a Camera.

“I’m super excited to work with Gamechanger on my first feature,” said Sidibe in a statement. “This project is a true stand-out and the character of Naia is a badass! Effie and Wellington are powerhouse visionaries and I’m so excited to be able to work with them to create this gripping thriller with complex characters.”

Since Precious, Sidibe has also starred in films like Antebellum, Come as You Are and Tower Heist. She also wrote a 2017 memoir, This is Just my Face: Try Not to Stare.