David Oyelowo, Ava DuVernay reuniting on ‘Heist Of Benin’ for Endurance Media, Studiocanal

Selma collaborators David Oyelowo and Ava DuVernay are teaming up again on the contemporary, London-set thriller Heist Of Benin for Endurance Media and Studiocanal.

The film weaves together art, love and restitution and will see Oyelowo produce with Lisa Bruce through his Yoruba Saxon alongside Endurance Media’s Steve Richards and Jake Katofsky.

Studiocanal will finance, distribute and handle international sales. Ron Halpern, Shana Eddy and Sam Shipp will oversee for the company. 

It is based on an original idea by UK screenwriter Jesse Quiñones who serves as executive producer.

Oyelowo said the story of Heist Of Benin contained “deeply resonant themes”.

DuVernay added: “This film speaks to history, identity and love, all through the lens of a high-stakes, modern adventure.”

Civil rights drama Selma opened in 2015 and starred Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. It earned an Oscar nomination for best picture and won for best song.

• Protagonist boards Itonje Søimer Guttormsen’s Rotterdam title ‘Butterfly’ starring Renate Reinsve