After making her feature directorial debut last year with the off-kilter indie comedyLemon, up-and-coming filmmakerJanicza Bravohas signed on to directZolaforA24, Collider can exclusively reveal.
The project is based onDavid Kushner’sRolling Stonearticle “Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind the Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted.” If you aren’t familiar with that epic viral tale,click here, but basically it follows a young exotic dancer who gets more than she bargained for when she agrees to go on a road trip to Florida with a prostitute, her bipolar boyfriend, and a moody pimp.
Bravo will direct from a script by theGoatduo ofAndrew NeelandMike Roberts. Meanwhile,Christine VachonandDavid Hinojosawill produce for Killer Films, whileJames FrancoandVince Jolivettewill produce for Rabbit Bandini Productions, andGia WalshandKara Bakerwill produce for Gigi Productions. There had been some rumors that Franco and Rabbit Bandini were being removed from the project in the wake of allegations that may or may not have cost Franco an Oscar nomination for A24’sThe Disaster Artist, but that doesn’t appear to be the case anymore, as Rabbit Bandini remains involved inZola –though Franco will no longer direct the film, as previously reported.
Kim Coleman Casting recently put out acasting callfor the title character, and the producers are waiting to find their lead before moving on to the other roles.
Bravo started her career as a costume designer before going on to write and direct her own short films, which caught the eye of Killer Films – one of the three production companies behindLemon. That film starred Bravo’s real-life husbandBrett Gelmanas a man who watches his life unravel after he’s dumped by his longtime girlfriend.
As a director, Bravo’s TV credits includeAtlanta,Dear White People, andLove, as well as HBO’sDivorceandHere and Now. Bravo is also an actress who’s coming off a major roleLena Dunham’s new HBO seriesCamping, which co-starsJennifer Garner,David Tennant,Juliette Lewisand Gelman. She previously appeared in Lake Bell’s acclaimed comedyIn a World…She’s represented by UTA.
A24 did not respond to multiple requests for comment, though the company is known for taking chances on budding female filmmakers with a unique voice, such asGreta Gerwig,Gillian RobespierreandPippa Bianco, among others. A24’s upcoming releases includeJonah Hill’s directorial debutMid ‘90sand the horror comedySlicestarringChance the Rapper.
