Will Packer to produce movie about African Queen Amanirenas

AJC file photo

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Credit: Jennifer Brett

AJC file photo

Atlanta super producer Will Packer's next project: "Warrior Queen," based on the true life story of  Queen Amanirenas, who ruled from 40 to 10 BC over the Kush Kingdom of Nubia.

The brave warrior was blind in one eye, according to the BBC's  Story of Africa, which includes this quote from Osama Abdel Meguid, director of the Nubian Museum in Aswan:

"Nubia was the meeting place of the Mediterranean and African civilisation. The relationship between Egypt and upper Nubia was completely different from time to time and period to period. If the Egyptian king's power is widespread it catches everything under its control and Nubia comes under Egyptian authority, but if it is weak, then upper Nubia is ruled by itself."

Here's a quick rundown of her life and accomplishments from a site called "Rejected Princesses" (billed as "Women too Awesome, Awful, or Offbeat for Kids' Movies.")

Packer is known for a slew of box-office champs including the Atlanta-filmed "Ride Along" movies (No. 3 on the way, incidentally) and "Almost Christmas," in addition to the highly acclaimed "Straight Outta Compton" and the TV series Uncle Buck.

He also executive-produced the powerful modern "Roots" series. "Warrior Queen" is dear to his heart.

"I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about this...," Packer posted on Twitter.

Notes Deadline:

"Queen Amanirenas ruled over the Kush Kingdom of Nubia, one of the richest Kingdom's in Ancient Africa. She successfully led her army of Nubians into battle against the mighty invading Roman Empire forcing them to withdraw and negotiate peace."