Hollywood actress Sanaa Lathan is marking her directorial debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

The “Love & Basketball” and “Succession” star will premiere her feature “On the Come Up” at TIFF in September.

The film tells the story of a teenage girl who enters the battle rap scene to pay tribute to her father, a local hip hop legend who was a victim of gang violence, but finds her life changes when one of her videos goes viral.

“On the Come Up” is based on a book by Angie Thomas, author of “The Hate U Give.”

The film’s cast includes Jamila C. Gray, rappers Lil Yachty and Cliff (Method Man) Smith and comedian Mike Epps. Lathan, who recently appeared as attorney Lisa Arthur on HBO’s “Succession,” will also play a role.

TIFF runs from Sept. 8 to 18.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 13, 2022.

SHARE: