Kerry Washington is bringing Janae Marks’ From the Desk of Zoe Washington to the screen, Deadline reports.
The Scandal actor will serve as executive producer on a film adaptation of the children’s book for Disney Branded Television along with Effie T. Brown (Dear White People).
Marks’ 2020 book follows a 12-year-old girl who begins corresponding with her father, Marcus, who has been in prison for more than a decade, serving time for a murder he swears he didn’t commit. In a starred review, a critic for Kirkus called the book a “powerful debut [that] packs both depth and sweetness, tackling a tough topic in a sensitive, compelling way” and “an extraordinary, timely, must-read debut about love, family, friendship, and justice.”
Ayo Davis, an executive vice president for Disney Branded Television, said the movie “will touch our audience on many levels.”
“Marks’ book does a beautiful job of delicately weaving together the challenges and triumphs of life and the enormity of social injustice and systemic racism through the lens of an almost-seventh grader,” Davis said.
Marks confirmed the news on her Instagram account, writing, “I cannot wait to see Zoe’s story translate to film! I’m also blessed to have not one but TWO Black women executive producers on board. What a dream come true, and we’re only getting started!”
Michael Schaub is a Texas-based journalist and regular contributor to NPR.
