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Rosa Parks Mug Shot.

Source: Photo 12 / Getty

The uptick in films with Black leads will continue in 2019—this time centering around female Civil Rights hero, Rosa Parks.

Deadline reported that filmmakers at Winter State Entertainment are fast-tracking the project, titled Rosa, to start filming next year. The film executives are reportedly working with Jeanne Theoharis, author of the 2013 biography, The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks. Theoharis said she wants to show the various sides of the U.S. activist that aren’t traditionally shown in academia. The project will recognize the contributions to the civil rights movement she made before and after the bus incident in Alabama.

“While most Americans have heard of Rosa Parks, the details of what happened that on the night she was arrested, and her lifetime of political courage and activism, are largely unknown,” Theoharis told Deadline. “The real story of Rosa Parks is far different, and even more inspiring and relevant for our times than the tale most children learn in school.”

Charlie Kessler will be writing the screenplay. In her statement, she said, “We are honored to be working alongside Professor Theoharis. Rosa Parks is an inspiration, and our goal is to be able to use this project to raise awareness for the Rosa and Raymond Park Institute for Self Development,” Kessler said. “Ms. Parks did not have any children, so her institute is her legacy.”

Proceeds from the Rosa biopic will be donated to The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. Elaine Steele, who co-founded the Institute alongside Rosa Parks in 1987, stated she is excited about the movie.

“We are excited about the upcoming movie and are honored that Winter State and the team of filmmakers plan to contribute to The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development,” they said. “We are confident that the filmmakers of Rosa will bring quality and their commitment to accuracy to this important historical event.”