The Canadian actress’s first feature, The Ballad Of Maura MacKenzie, will shoot in Newfoundland and Toronto late summer 2011.

Canadian actress Molly Parker will make her directorial debut with their feature film project, The Ballad of Maura MacKenzie,  to be co-produced by Markham Street Films and Rock Island Productions.

“We are very excited”, say Markham Street Co-Presidents Judy Holm and Michael McNamara, in a release. “We have watched Molly’s work over the years and believe that her intelligence and artistic integrity are perfect to bring this incredibly touching story alive.”

Based on the award-winning novel, An Audience Of Chairs, by Joan Clark, the script was written by Rock Island’s Rosemary House.

 Parker’s acting credits include TIFF films Trigger and Oliver Sherman, as well as The Road and cable TV favorite Deadwood although she has also been contemplating a move into directing for some time.

Writer/producer Rosemary House adds: “I can’t imagine anyone else directing the film. Molly completely gets the story and the emotions behind it.”

The Ballad of Maura MacKenzie will shoot in Newfoundland and Toronto late summer 2011.