Netflix has secured Chiwetel Ejiofors directorial debut by buying the rights to The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind.
The Twelve Years A Slave actor penned the screenplay for the film based on William Kamkwambas memoir.
Williams story represents what has to be the future in countries like Malawi: developing countries, overflowing with beauty and harbouring enormous potential, he said.
He added: A global story such as this requires a global platform and Im thrilled to be working with Netflix on bringing Williams extraordinary tale of determination and inventiveness to audiences worldwide.
The Oscar-nominee also mentioned that the film will show the potential of developing countries.
Set to be released in 2019, it follows the struggles of a Malawian inventor – Kamkwamba – who builds a windmill to help his farming family through a disastrous harvest.
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Shot last year by Chiwetel in Malawi and funded by Netflix, BBC Films, BFI and Participant Media, its set to be screened in selected cinemas.
It may be a way off yet, but people are already singing Chiwetels praises.
Jonathan King, of Participant Media, said: Chiwetel brings incredible passion and skill as a film-maker to this moving and impactful story about a young boy who uses his heart and mind equally to help better his community.
We need this kind of story now more than ever.
More: Netflix
Earlier in the year, Chiwetel starred as Peter in the Biblical film Mary Magdalene.
Released in March 2018, it was written by Helen Edmundson and Philippa Goslett and directed by Garth Davis.
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