As exclusively reported in Deadline, MPI Original Films (MPI) announced today that Simona Brown (Behind Her Eyes, “I Am Danielle”) will star in Freedom Hair. As previously announced, Oscar-nominee Dianne Houston has written and will direct the feature film, which will begin principal photography this September in Atlanta.

Produced by MPI, Freedom Hair is based on the true story of Melony Armstrong, a determined mother who sets out to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence but must overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cosmetology cartel and the state of Mississippi. Melony’s efforts led to thousands of African American women in the state of Mississippi following in her footsteps and realizing their own entrepreneurial dreams.

Simona will lead the cast as Melony. Trained at the Identity School of Acting–London, Simona starred as lead in the Netflix limited series Behind Her Eyes and can most recently be seen in “I Am Danielle” opposite Letitia Wright (Black Panther) on the UK’s Channel 4 (C4). Her numerous television credits include Him, Roots, The Little Drummer Girl, Outlander, Guilt, The Night Manager, Grantchester, The Casual Vacancy, Run, Murdered By My Boyfriend, and the lead in the C4/Netflix series Kiss Me First. Her film credits include the role of Sophie in Big Talk’s feature Man Up starring Simon Pegg.

Rounding out the cast are Lynda Gravatt (Broadway’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, 30 Rock, The Good Wife), Sharon Conley (The Hunger Games, American Made, The Blind Side), Marquita Goings (Woke), and Erica Tazel (Truth Be Told, Justified, Lovecraft Country).

Stacey Parks, Lana Link, and Rob Pfaltzgraff are producing Freedom Hair, while Melony Armstrong, Kim Coleman, and Nick Reid executive produce. Simona is represented by IAG and CAA.