EXCLUSIVE: English stage and film actress Andrea Riseborough (Nocturnal Animals, Birdman) has been set to star opposite Garrett Hedlund in Andrew Heckler’s indie feature Burden.
She will play the love interest and lead role of Judy opposite Hedlund’s Mike Burden in the story about an orphan raised within the Ku Klux Klan who attempts to break away after the girl he falls in love with urges him to leave for a better life together. When the Klan seeks vengeance on Mike, a black congregation led by the benevolent Reverend Kennedy takes him in as well as his girlfriend and her son. The congregation, who works to protect them, accepts the trio into their community in hopes of teaching Mike about love and acceptance.
The project, written and to be directed by Heckler, is being produced by Robbie Brenner of The Firm and executive produced by Jeff Kwatinetz, Gabby Revilla and Kevin McKeon.
Good Universe is handling international sales. Riseborough is repped by CAA, Independent Talent Group and Untitled Entertainment.
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