Invisible Pictures is producing a film on the early activism work of Rosa Parks, and Julie Dash will be the director!

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It is based on the book, At the Dark End of the Street by Danielle McGuire, which tells the story of how Rosa Parks and the collective action of black women sparked the Civil Rights movement. “A decade before her iconic moment on the Montgomery bus, Rosa Parks was investigating the brutal rape of Recy Taylor and seeking justice on her behalf. This story of how the incredible bravery and collective action of Black Women sparked The Civil Rights movement will be brought to the big screen,” says Invisible Pictures.

The screenplay is from Lisa Jones and producers include Audrey Rosenberg, Jess Jacobs and Rachel Watanabe-Batton. Gary Riotto is also producing, and he co-created the story with Lisa Jones.

Dash is the perfect woman for the job, directing 2002’s The Rosa Parks Story television movie for CBS. Dash is most known for the iconic film Daughters of the Dust. Her extensive film and TV directing background includes Ava DuVernay recently tapping her to direct episodes of Queen Sugar.

This project announcement coincides with the upcoming release of the documentary, The Rape of Recy Taylor. 

“There’s so much more to be told about the legacy of Rosa Parks, Jo Ann Robinson, and the southern women, from all walks of life, who dared to take control of the wheel of power,” said Dash. “Amplifying these voices, which have gone unheard for far too long, makes for a complex story, about the gender, class, and color politics of the Civil Rights Movement as told through a female lens.”

“This film is exemplary of the kind of authentic storytelling you can expect to see from Invisible Pictures,” says Audrey Rosenberg. “We are honored to collaborate with Julie and this team to create the space for Black Women to tell their own stories.”

It is unknown right now of when production will begin.