Erguvens English-language debut Kings is set against the 1992 Los Angeles riots, sparked by the use of excessive police force in the videotaped arrest and beating of taxi driver Rodney King.
Halle Berry will star as a strong, protective mother living in the tough South Central district where the disturbances first kicked-off. The role of a lone, white male neighbour and love interest is currently being cast.
Like Mustang, its the story of a family, mixing light-hearted moments with drama in a tough environment. Its a fantastic script. You see the tension rise, said Maraval.
The riots spread across the city over the course of six days, only coming to an end when US armed forces were drafted in. A total of 55 people were killed and another 2,000 were injured.
Erguven first tried to make the feature straight out of Frances prestigious Fémis film school, even presenting it at Cannes LAtélier co-production event in 2011, before coming to terms with the fact it was too ambitious for a first, feature-length production.
Now with an Oscar nomination under her belt for Mustang, about five rebellious sisters battling a suppressive upbringing in a small Turkish village, she is on track to get Kings off the ground.
Charles Gillibert, who produced Mustang and is at Cannes this year with Olivier Assayass Palme dOr contender Personal Shopper, is lead producing.
