‘Independence Day’ director shooting film about Stonewall riots

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The director of Independence Day Roland Emmerich has announced he is shooting a film about the Stonewall riots.

He made the announcement this week via his Facebook page, writing: “I wanted you to be the first to know that I will begin shooting ‘STONEWALL’ this Spring.

“For those of you who aren’t aware, the legendary Stonewall Inn is the birthplace of the modern Gay Rights movement.

“I’ve had so much fun sharing my life with you through pictures and events these past six months, and I plan to keep you updated along the way with casting information and lots of pictures and behind-the-scenes videos.”

The film, which was written by Jon Robin Baitz, will be a departure for Emmerich, who is known for action flicks like The Day After Tomorrow, 2012, and Godzilla.

Although castings are yet to be revealed, he announced the crew for the project directly to Facebook fans, posting: “Producers: Michael Fossat, Marc Frydman and Roland Emmerich. Executive Producers, Kirstin Winker and Adam Press. Line Producer, Carsten Lorenz.”

Emmerich has wanted to make a film about the Stonewall riots for some time, telling Esquire last year: “I way want to do a little movie – about $12-14 million – about the Stonewall riots in New York. It’s about these crazy kids in New York and a country bumpkin who gets into their gang and they start this riot and change the world.”

The German director is a strong supporter of gay rights, last year donating $250,000 (£164,000) to the Human Rights Campaign in support of equal marriage.

He also revealed last year that the eventual sequel to his Oscar-winning film Independence Day would feature a prominent gay character.