Fences Director Kenny Leon Eyes Film Debut with Cotton

Tony-nominated Fences director Kenny Leon will direct his first feature film, Cotton, according to The New York Times. Based on Jennifer Thompson-Cannino’s 2009 memoir, Picking Cotton, the film is expected to begin production next year. No casting has been announced.

Leon’s other Broadway directing credits include Radio Golf, Gem of the Ocean and A Raisin in the Sun. He also directed the 2008 television adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun and is set to direct Every Tongue Confess this fall at Washington’s Arena Stage.

Picking Cotton recalls Thompson-Cannino’s friendship with Ronald Cotton, the man who spent 11 years in prison when she mistakenly identified him as her rapist.