‘Avengers’ actor Anthony Mackie is set to make his directorial debut on the feature ‘Spark.’ A drama focused on Claudette Colvin, an unsung pioneer of the Civil Rights era.

Saniyya Sidney will take on the role of Colvin, Colvin was 15-years-old when she bravely stood up to racism, getting arrested after refusing to give up her seat on a crowded segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This was nine months before Rosa Parks became a symbol of the Civil Rights era symbol for courageously doing essentially the same thing. Initially embraced by Civil Rights leaders for her courage, Colvin was subsequently erased out of history when those same leaders decided a poor, dark-skinned teenage girl would not be the ideal face for their public campaign.

Mackie said on discovering Colvin’s story “Not only was I moved, but I was also inspired,” he said. “It’s great to be a superhero in movies but she’s a real live one living amongst us and I’m honoured to tell her story.”

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Niceole R. Levy, who worked with Mackie on The Banker, will pen the screenplay. The filmmakers have the life rights of Colvin and are working with her family. They’ve also secured rights to Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose. Make it with Gravy Productions, Mansa Productions, Mandalay Pictures in Association with Ambergreen Entertainment will produce.