FKA Twigs to Play Josephine Baker in Biopic Directed by Mamouna Doucour

Published: Monday, May 11, 2026 at 11:00 am

FKA Twigs to Star as Josephine Baker in Biopic

British singer and dancer FKA Twigs is set to portray the iconic Josephine Baker in an upcoming biopic. The film, produced by Studiocanal, will be directed by Mamouna Doucour. Baker, a French-American entertainer, achieved international fame as a cabaret performer and became the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture.

The biopic will delve into Baker's multifaceted life, including her rise to stardom during the Roaring Twenties. Baker captivated audiences at the Folies Bergère in Paris before starring in the 1927 silent film *Siren of the Tropics*. The film will also explore Baker's significant contributions during World War II, where she served as an intelligence agent for the French Resistance. She utilized her celebrity to gather and transmit information on Nazi troop movements to the Allied Forces. Details of her wartime service were declassified by the French government in 2020.

Following the war, Baker became a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement. She actively protested segregation, faced the loss of her work visa due to her activism, and participated in the March on Washington. Baker was also known for her commitment to racial equality, adopting twelve children of diverse backgrounds, whom she affectionately called her "Rainbow Tribe." The film will be developed in collaboration with surviving members of the Rainbow Tribe, including Baker's sons Jean-Claude and Brian Boullion Baker.

Studiocanal will handle worldwide sales, with theatrical releases planned in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand. The film aims to capture the complexities of Baker's life, including her struggles, triumphs, and unwavering fight for justice and equality.

BNN's Perspective:

This biopic has the potential to be a powerful and timely story. Highlighting Josephine Baker's contributions to both entertainment and the fight for civil rights is crucial. The involvement of her family and the casting of FKA Twigs, known for her artistic depth, suggests a sensitive and compelling portrayal. We hope the film accurately reflects Baker's legacy while also providing a fresh perspective for modern audiences.

Keywords: FKA Twigs, Josephine Baker, biopic, Studiocanal, Mamouna Doucour, French Resistance, civil rights movement, Rainbow Tribe, Siren of the Tropics, World War II, entertainment, actress, singer, dancer, film, cinema, history, equality, justice

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