Crunk princess stars with Patti LaBelle in film version of "Mama, I Want to Sing!"

Ciara will make her feature film debut in the screen adaptation of "Mama, I Want to Sing!," a critically acclaimed off-Broadway gospel musical. The film will be produced by CodeBlack Entertainment, the first independent African American-owned film studio. In a statement released today, Ciara said, "I've always strived to inspire and uplift my fans through my music. It's refreshing to now have the chance to do so through film, along side such an innovative, enterprising company. Together with CodeBlack, I now have an amazing opportunity to perpetuate many of the principles and values I project musically, from the importance of possessing confidence and self-worth, to sincerity within one's character."

Ciara will play the lead role in the film as a preacher's daughter who transitions from singing in the church to become a pop superstar. Her costars include Lynn Whitfield (Madea's Family Reunion, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate) and R&B diva Patti Labelle. Production is set to begin next month in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the film is set for release in February 2008.

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