EXCLUSIVE: Netflix and Leonardo DiCaprio work together again for a film adaptation of the documentary Virunga, which will be written by the Oscar winner Moonlight helmer Barry Jenkins. The Oscar nominated documentary, written and directed by Orlando von Einsiedel, was released on the streamer in 2014 and garnered an Oscar nomination.
DiCaprio, who served as executive producer on the docu, is producing the project with his Appian Way partners Jennifer Davisson and Phillip Watson, as well as Oscar winner Joanna Natasegara for Violet Films, based in London. von Einsiedel will serve as executive producer.
The true story follows park rangers risking their lives to save Africa’s most precious national park and its endangered gorillas.
Jenkins, who was also praised for his adaptation of If Beale Street could talk about James Baldwin, is attached to direct Fox Searchlight’s biographical film about Alvin Ailey, one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. She also wrote the script for Rachel Morrison’s directorial debut, Strong flintand has a serial adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s bestselling novel The underground railway coming soon on Amazon.
