“Nina,” starring Zoe Saldana as singer, pianist and civil rights activist Nina Simone, will enjoy a December release.

That development is the result of a new distribution deal for the biopic, which has been acquired by RLJ Entertainment.

Written and directed by Cynthia Mort, the film will find Simone self-exiled in France — and convinced by her manager Clifton Henderson (David Oyelowo) to embrace America again.

RLJ Entertainment is named after its chief Robert L. Johnson, who also founded the BET network. (He is also America’s first billionaire.)

“I had the special privilege early in my career of working with Ms. Simone while coordinating a performance for former D.C. Delegate Walter E. Fauntroy, and knowing first-hand of her major contribution to the soul and emotion of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Johnson. “I look forward as I am sure many others will, to her story and legacy being made available by RLJ Entertainment to consumers on various media platforms in the coming months.”

[via Variety]