'Filly Brown' Director Youssef Delara Signs With Verve (Exclusive)

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Youssef Delara, who wrote and co-directed hip-hop drama Filly Brown, has signed with Verve.

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Filly Brown: Sundance Film Review

The film, which stars Gina Rodriguez, Edward James Olmos and Lou Diamond Phillips, had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January.

Filly Brown tracks the journey of the tough titular female rapper -- played by Rodriguez -- as she transforms from underground street rapper to pop stardom. The movie was co-directed by Michael D. Olmos.

The THR review of Filly Brown praised Rodriguez's performance and noted that "the muscular energy and slick style of the film and the pumping soundtrack should give it some commercial traction."

Delara's credits include serving as visual effects coordinator on two 1990s Star Trek films: Star Trek: First Contact (1996) and Star Trek: Insurrection (1998). He has also edited and directed a handful of independent films, including the drama Bedrooms (2010).

Delara is managed by Nicholas Bogner at Affirmative Entertainment.

Email: Daniel.Miller@THR.com

Twitter: @DanielNMiller