Singer-songwriter, actress and model FKA twigs has been confirmed for the role of Jazz Age star and civil rights activist Josephine Baker in Maïmouna Doucouré’s biopic which is due to shoot in the fall.  

“Josephine Baker’s extraordinary legacy is such an inspiration to me and to so many people around the world,” said the Grammy-winning multi-disciplinary artist, whose previous feature credits include Honey Boy, The Crow and most recently David Lowery’s A24 feature Mother Mary.

“She lives on in our hearts as a visionary, ground-breaking woman whose story is as powerful as it is relevant today. I cannot wait to embody Josephine Baker bringing her fight, her love, her losses, her talent and her heroism to the big screen.” 

The project is produced by Studiocanal and Bien ou Bien Productions, with the support of Baker’s sons Jean-Claude Bouillon Baker, Brian Bouillon Baker and the Rainbow tribe, representing the 12 children adopted by the star.

The project, which was first announced four years ago, marks Doucouré’s most ambition feature to date after Netflix-acquired Cuties and Hawa.

“Josephine Baker has lived with me for years. Working on this film, I realise how modern, fearless and complex she was. “Beyond the legend, I want to explore her contradictions, her wounds and her immense courage, as well as her relentless fight for dignity,” said Doucouré.

“With the extraordinary FKA Twigs bringing her rare artistry, intelligence and emotional depth to the role, it is a huge honour to work with Studiocanalto bring Josephine’s story to the screen for a global audience: the story of a woman who never stopped reinventing herself and fighting for justice and equality.”

Confirmation of the casting and fall shoot comes as pan-European studio Studiocanal launches worldwide sales on the film in Cannes, outside of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Poland, Australia and New Zealand where its subsidiaries will handle the release.