The studio has been developing Taking Flight since 2015, when it first bought rights to Michaela and Elaine DePrince's memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina.

The book follows Michaela DePrince's life from an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone to a world-renowned ballerina.

"Michaela's journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity," Madonna said.

"We have a unique opportunity to shed light on Sierra Leone and let Michaela be the voice for all the orphaned children she grew up beside. I am honored to bring her story to life."

Madonna will direct from a screenplay by Camilla Blackett.

Madonna made her feature directing debut on the 2008 British comedy Filth and Wisdom. She also helmed and co-wrote 2011's W.E., which chronicled the relationship between King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

Her upcoming projects include co-writing and directing a film adaptation of Andrew Sean Greer's novel The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells.

Madonna also produced and wrote I Am Because We Are, a documentary about Malawi's million orphans in the wake of the AIDS pandemic.

Australian Associated Press