Leena Yadav recently directed the excellent Parched, focussing on the lives of four women living in a highly patriarchal, traditional community in rural India. Now THR reports she has signed on to tell a gay-themed tale set in Iran, called Secret Sky.

Based on a true story, Secret Sky follows the love story between two Iranian teens who are put in prison accused of homosexuality, go to trial and pay the ultimate price for their crimes. A female lawyer (also inspired by a real person) attempts to fight for their freedom. Homosexuality is not just illegal in Iran, but the country is known for executing gay people, often also accusing them of paedophilia, with many in the country feeling the two are essentially the same.

Micah Schraft and Abdi Nazemian are writing the movie, which is due to shoot early next year.

Producer Carol Polakoff comments, “This story, though political in nature and about civil rights, must be delivered through the heart, and Leena has shown that she can make a beautiful film that will not only move viewers, but also deliver a socially impactful punch. She has uncommon courage and passion, and holds nothing back.”

Yadav’s Parched, which included LGBT themes, received death threats over the movie, due to some communities thinking the costumes used in the movie meant it was about them. Secret Sky will be her international debut.