A Harriet Tubman biopic featuring Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr. will film in central Virginia this fall.
It will be the first feature-length film to chronicle the life of the abolitionist. Born into slavery, Tubman helped hundreds of slaves escape captivity through the Underground Railroad.
The motion picture will be directed by Kasi Lemmons and produced by Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Debra Martin Chase and Gregory Allen Howard. Howard also wrote the screenplay.
Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday that he is excited for the Focus Features project to take place in Virginia.
“We are delighted to welcome ‘Harriet’ to Virginia and look forward to providing the backdrop for this groundbreaking project, which will play a key role in bringing the powerful story of an iconic American heroine to life,” Northam said in a press release.
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said the film is expected to have an annual economic impact of $697 million and produce nearly 4,300 full-time jobs.
“Virginia is an ideal destination for both filmmakers and history lovers, and we know that ‘Harriet’ will find a perfect home here in the Commonwealth,” Ball said.
