EXCLUSIVE: British director Clio Barnard is in talks to direct Tusk for Origin Pictures.

“It’s an adaptation by Polly Stenham of her play Tusk Tusk,” Barnard told Screen.

As reported yesterday, the director of The Selfish Giant is also attached to direct an adaptation of Rose Tremain novel The Trespass.

It is yet to be confirmed which project will go first.

Stenham’s play Tusk Tusk (which played at the Royal Court in London) was described by one critic as “a scorching study in emotional desperation.” It is about three kids left alone in their London flat by their alcoholic mother.

“She (Barnard) has a remarkable and unique vision and a particular ability to bring the world of children to the screen,” Origin Pictures’ David M. Thompson said of the British director.

Directors’ Fortnight hit The Selfish Giant will be released in the UK by Artificial Eye in November.