Critically Acclaimed director of 1991's Daughters of The Dust, Julie Dash, is in negotiations to direct a new feature film titled Tupelo 77, according to Bob Crowe (Rabbit Fall, Stained) of Angel Entertainment, who will serve as producer of the film along with Sean Hewitt (Carry Me Home).

Tupelo 77, written by Rich Mancuso, is set to start filming during late 2012, and casting is currently underway. The film, according to the press release, is "set in a small town in Mississippi during the summer of 1977, the year of Elvis Presley's death and the hottest summer on record in Mississippi.  The film chronicles the lives of a group of women of various ages and races who are regulars at a roadside diner.  Together they struggle to transcend the obstacles of poverty, racial and religious differences, and the persistent wounds of war."

Angel Entertainment's Crowe says he has been a fan of Julie Dash's work for "a long time." He says, "Her ability to handle delicate and important subject matter with ease and grace is second to none. Sean Hewitt and I are overjoyed to have her on board.”

Julie Dash seems enthused about the project. Dash said, “It is not every day that I come across a story that so beautifully depicts the kinds of relationships that transcend race and age and that simply tell a tale about a corner of the world. The script really spoke to me and I felt that I already knew the women on the page. I am very excited to work on this meaningful story about relationships.”