FKA twigs transforms into Josephine Baker in official biopic image – FKA twigs has transformed into entertainment legend Josephine Baker for a new feature film. The first official image shows the artist performing before a packed nightclub audience.
STUDIOCANAL has confirmed an Australian cinema release. However, it has not yet announced a local date. The first image therefore gives Australian moviegoers an early look at the international project.
FKA twigs wears a glittering costume inspired by the 1920s. Meanwhile, the crowded setting recreates the Paris stage where Baker became an international star.
Josephine Baker’s remarkable life heads to cinemas
The biopic will follow Baker’s rise to fame in 1920s Paris. It will also explore the very different chapters that followed. Baker served with the French Resistance during the Second World War. Later, she joined the American civil rights movement.
As a result, the feature has more to cover than a conventional showbusiness story. It connects Baker’s public success with her wartime service and political work. The film can introduce a new cinema audience to the full breadth of her life.
Maïmouna Doucouré writes and directs the film. Her previous credits include Cuties and Hawa. Olivier Lorelle joins her as co-writer.
In addition, Baker’s family supports the production. Her sons Jean-Claude Bouillon Baker and Brian Bouillon Baker have backed the film. The Rainbow tribe, Baker’s adopted family of children from different countries and backgrounds, is also involved.
International production and release plans
STUDIOCANAL and Bien ou Bien Productions are producing the feature. CPB, Leyland Films and Belgian company Dingie are associated producers. Together, the partners bring experience from France, the United Kingdom and Belgium.
Bien ou Bien Productions has supported Doucouré throughout her filmmaking career. The company says its projects have won more than 150 international awards. Those honours include two César Awards.
Leyland Films has worked across English-language television and film. It has also developed a Josephine Baker project with her family’s support. Meanwhile, Dingie’s recent credits include the Belgian series High Tides. Netflix released that drama internationally as Knokke Off.
STUDIOCANAL will distribute the film across its own theatrical territories. Those markets include Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and France. Germany, Italy, Benelux and Poland are also part of the plan. In addition, the company will handle worldwide sales.
STUDIOCANAL works across film and television production and distribution. It also manages a catalogue of almost 18,000 titles. Consequently, the Josephine Baker film already has a substantial international release network.
FKA twigs takes centre stage
FKA twigs is best known as a recording artist, dancer and performer. Her casting brings music, movement and screen acting together. The first photograph puts that performance background at the centre of the campaign.
Further casting details are yet to be revealed. A trailer and Australian release date are also still to come. For now, the image shows how Doucouré and her team are approaching one of the 20th century’s most distinctive performers.
Josephine Baker will be released in Australian cinemas by STUDIOCANAL. The distributor will announce more details closer to release.
For more TV Central movie previews, head here, and visit the official STUDIOCANAL Australia website.