The incredible story of a young black man to win a national debate tournament will be turned into a film — and it has huge backing.

Ryan Wash, who is from Kansas and openly gay, won the 2013 Cross Examination Association and National Debate Tournament championships.

In a coming-of-age tale, it will chronicle his beginning in inner-city Kansas, the death of his mother and how he sought solace in the world of competitive debating. It is described as “inspirational coming-of-age RuPaul-inflected debate-opera protest film with a sports-movie drive.”

Plan B, Annapurna, MACRO are teaming up for the effort.

Wash himself will be an executive producer. Daniel Barnez will direct and co-write with Wash and Ned Zeman.

Annapurna will distribute as a part of their first-look deal with Plan B, and Macro is co-financing with Annapurna.

Plan B & Annapurna are also set for an adaptation of James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk, directed by Barry Jenkins. MACRO is coming off of Fences, and has Dee Rees’ Mudbound, which will premiere at TIFF.

Deadline first reported the news.

Ryan Wash

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