Viola Davis, Maggie Gyllenhaal Set for 'Still I Rise' Movie

Theatre and film veterans Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhaal are set to appear in 'Still I Rise,' (Working Title) a movie about "two mothers who channel frustration into action and join forces to transform an inner-city public school. Inspired by current events, the film takes aim at the crisis of public education in America," Deadline.com reports.

Viola Davis was awarded the 2001 Tony Award for her work in King Hedley II, and the 2010 Tony Award for Fences. She has also received two Drama Desk Awards, for King Headley II and, in 2004, for her work in an off-Broadway production of Intimate Apparel.

Davis has also had roles in numerous films, including three films by Steven Soderbergh (Out of Sight, Solaris, and Traffic). Her television work includes a recurring role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; a starring role in the short-lived Traveler; and a special guest appearance in "Badge", a Law & Order: Criminal Intent episode.

Gyllenhaal has appeared in a range of films, including the indie film Sherrybaby (2006), for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe, the romantic comedy Trust the Man (2006) and big-budget films such as World Trade Center (2006) and The Dark Knight (2008). She next starred in the 2009 musical-drama Crazy Heart, for which she received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination. Gyllenhaal has also appeared in theatrical plays, including Closer (2000) and teleVision Productions including Strip Search (2004).

She also played Yelena in the Classic Stage Company's 2009 Off Broadway production of Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya in New York City.