Well, it looks like it’s going to happen. The Nina Simone biopic, titled Nina, has probably invoked more emotion on this site than any other post (excluding Tyler Perry) but Mary J Blige told US Magazine recently that she’s taking acting lesson and filming is set to begin later this month. In fact, Deadline states filming will begin May 23.

If you recall, the film will focus on Simone’s relationship with Paris-based manager Clifton Henderson which will be played by British actor David Oyelowo.

Cynthia Mort, who’s credits include writing and producing several episodes of popular TV series Roseanne and Will And Grace, is listed at the screenwriter and director of the project.

The UK company backing the project, Ealing Studios, has merged with Prescience allowing them more access to funding. “The beauty of this merger is that we now have access to Prescience’s money,” says Will Machin, Ealing’s head of distribution. Machin will run Ealing Metro. “There are very few companies in the indie marketplace that can offer what we can now,” he said.

In addition to the Nina film, Ealing Metro is slated to film Better Living Through Chemistry which stars Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Garner and shoots in July.

I expect more info will be circulating in the next few weeks so stay tuned.