I doubt an intro to Ava DuVernay and her next project (Middle Of Nowhere) are really necessary at this point – especially if you’ve been a reader of this site in recent months.

I will say that I’m both surprised and thrilled that she cast a relative “unknown” in Emayatzy Corinealdi in the lead role. And we here at S&A have long been fans of David Oyelowo, and are excited for this talented British up-and-comer, who Lee Daniels cast as his MLK Jr in the still-in-development Civil Rights drama Selma.

I’m also really looking forward to seeing what the uber-talented DP Bradford Young brings to the production.

Details below:

MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, writer-director Ava DuVernay’s follow-up to her critically acclaimed feature debut “I Will Follow,” begins principal photography in Los Angeles today. The film will star newcomer Emayatzy Corinealdi and rising star David Oyelowo.

“Emayatzy was brought to my attention by our incredible casting director Aisha Coley. I never had the notion of casting a newcomer until I saw Emayatzy audition for another part and couldn’t stop thinking about her. Her talent is matched only by her grace. She’s a special woman, and I’m thrilled to introduce her through this film. Like many others, I’ve been a big-time fan of David, from ‘Last King of Scotland’ to ‘Small Island’ to ‘MI-5.’ The way he came onto this project could be a film unto itself – quite epic. I couldn’t be happier to be working with him,” stated DuVernay.

MIDDLE OF NOWHERE is the story of a woman desperately balancing her relationship with her newly incarcerated husband and her own shifting identity. The film explores the complex world of “women in waiting” through the eyes of a character named “Ruby,” played by Corinealdi. As Ruby journeys through the rugged terrain her life has become, she mets “Brian,” portrayed by Oyelowo, who challenges and changes her.

MIDDLE OF NOWHERE will be lensed by Bradford Young (“Restless City,” “Pariah“) and edited by Spencer Averick (“I Will Follow”). The film is produced by DuVernay and Howard Barish, with Paul Garnes and Tilane Jones.

Godspeed to the Middle Of Nowhere cast and crew.

In the meantime, feel free to follow the film via its Facebook page (HERE), and/or Twitter (HERE).