ABC/Rick Rowell(LOS ANGELES) — David Oyelowo is set to make his feature directorial debut with The Water Man, a film he’s producing and in which he will also star.

According to Deadline, Oyelowo will star alongside Rosario Dawson, This Is Us star Lonnie Chavis, Amiah Miller, Alfred Molina, and Maria Bello in his film, which will be executive produced by Oprah Winfrey.

The drama, which was written by Emma Needell and featured on the coveted screenplay collection known as the Black List, follows a young boy named Gunner, played by Chavis, who runs away from home in an attempt to save his sick mother, portrayed by Dawson. Gunner believes that he can save his mother by finding the, “legendary figure called the Water Man who has been said to have the power to cheat death.” 

Deadline reports that Oyelowo will play Gunner’s father Amos, who goes on the search for his son.

“The Water Man as written by Emma Needell is that rare, beautiful script that can touch your heart and challenge your mind while also lifting your spirits,” said Oyelowo in a statement. “I feel blessed to be entrusted with bringing this imaginative and moving story to life.”

This is the latest project for Oyelowo, who has quite a few films lined up including, Peter Rabbit 2, the sci-fi film Chaos Walking, and Come Away, in which he will star opposite Angelina Jolie.

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