Black Bear, Artists Equity, and Big Picture Co. are collaborating on the new film project "A Woman in the Sun," which is expected to be written and directed by Julia Cox. Academy Award winner Renée Zellweger and Sissy Spacek will star in the lead roles, while Mia Threapleton will play a supporting role. Cox previously achieved cultural success as the screenwriter for "Nyad," a film produced by Black Bear that starred Annette Bening and Jodie Foster.

"A Woman in the Sun" tells the story of Claire Keating, who works as a barista on Nantucket Island and is part of the island's dwindling middle class. Claire's world, portrayed by Zellweger, completely changes when her mother falls ill and her daughter moves back home. She will be forced to confront her past and take charge of her own future.

Production is planned to begin in September. The project will debut on the world stage during the Cannes Film Festival, where Black Bear will introduce it to international buyers. Black Bear and Artists Equity will jointly finance the project; Black Bear will handle distribution in North America and the UK, while Elevation Pictures will take care of distribution in Canada. Zellweger and Carmella Casinelli will produce alongside Kim Roth through Big Picture Co. Greg Gertmenian will serve as co-producer.

Twice Oscar-winning Zellweger stated, "Supporting promising filmmakers like Julia has been a core mission since the founding of Big Picture Co. We are thrilled to be part of this special project and the team that will help realize its vision. The script is a wonderful storytelling treasure, and Julia's instincts set her apart as an emerging producer. We can't wait to get started."