A new documentary about the life of Phoolan Devi has been announced at the Hot Docs International Film Festival in Toronto.

Phoolan is written and directed by Hossein Martin Fazeli and co-directed by Gillian Greenfeld. Jack Silberman will produce the project in association with broadcaster Super Channel and with the participation of Creative BC.

The documentary will examine the life story of Phoolan Devi, India’s “Bandit Queen” who became a real-life Robin Hood. After years of abuse, she began stealing from the rich to give to the poor and retaliating against rapists, before being elected into the Parliament of India to champion lower-caste women. She was assassinated in 2001.

Actress Lisa Ray has signed on to narrate the film. Ray serves as executive producer alongside Fariba Farjam, Kristin Kreuk, Rose Bhura, James Tocher and Shenny Italia, while Lady Jamil Kharrazi is a senior executive producer. Adria Budd-Johnson, Sammie Astaneh and Liz Marshall are co-executive producers.

Producers are seeking international distribution and additional financing during the Hot Docs festival.