Acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay and actor-producer David Oyelowo are teaming up once again for a new feature film titled Heist of Benin, marking their first collaboration since the Academy Award–nominated Selma in 2014.
The project was officially announced during the StudioCanal / Canal+ “Original+” presentation in Paris, where StudioCanal unveiled its 2026 international slate of films. Heist of Benin stands out as a major thriller project set in contemporary London, described by executives as “a thriller that intertwines art, love, and restitution.”
While plot details are still under wraps, the film’s title and thematic description suggest that it will explore timely issues around art, cultural heritage, and the restitution of contested works, likely connecting to real-world debates about artefacts such as the Benin Bronzes and broader global conversations about returning cultural treasures to their places of origin.
Screenwriter Jesse Quiñones penned the screenplay from an original idea, also serving as an executive producer on the project. DuVernay and Oyelowo have both expressed excitement for the story’s resonance and its potential to tell a compelling, high-stakes adventure that deeply engages with history, identity, and emotion.
David Oyelowo will star in Heist of Benin and serve as a producer through his production company, Yoruba Saxon. He is joined on the producing team by Steve Richards and Jake Katofsky of Endurance Media, as well as veteran producer Lisa Bruce.
DuVernay commented on the reunion with Oyelowo, noting that their decades-long creative partnership has been driven by a search for meaningful stories: “Reuniting with David in this way feels full circle,” she said, adding that the film “speaks to history, identity and love, all through the lens of a high-stakes, modern adventure.” Oyelowo described the project as “thrilling and high-powered with deeply resonant themes that matter to us both.”
StudioCanal is fully backing the film, financing production and overseeing global distribution and international sales. Canal+ leadership highlighted DuVernay’s vision as ideal for bringing this culturally significant and timely story to screens worldwide.
At this stage, Heist of Benin remains in early development. Further casting announcements, production details, and a release date have not yet been revealed. Given the creative forces behind it and the subject matter’s relevance, the film is already generating anticipation among industry observers and audiences alike.
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