According to Deadline, Oscar winner Anna Paquin (The Piano) and Transparent alum Trace Lysette have signed on along with Academy Award nominees Patricia Clarkson (Pieces of April, Sharp Objects) and Adriana Barraza (Babel) to star in Italian director Andrea Pallaoro’s upcoming drama film titled Monica. Production is expected to begin later this year.
Monica is being described as a family drama film that will explore themes of abandonment, aging, acceptance, and redemption. It will follow the story of a transgender woman (Lysette) who finds herself returning home to the Midwest in order to take care of her dying mother (Clarkson).
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“Andrea and the team have an undeniable ability to bring private, intimate stories to life in both a visceral and visually brilliant way. With that in mind, we are very excited to introduce Monica to the global market,” Brian O’Shea of The Exchange said in a statement.
The film will be directed by Andrea Pallaora, who co-wrote the screenplay with Orlando Tirado. It will be produced by Christina Dow, Eleonora Granata, Marina Marzotto, Gina Resnick, Christina Sibul, and BAFTA-winning producer Karen Tenkhoff. The Exchange is currently handling the film’s international sales.
(Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic & Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
