James Franco to Play Famed Photographer in Tribeca-Funded Project

As reported in The Hollywood Reporter, James Franco is set to play controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in an upoming project that has acquired backing from the Tribeca All Access program. The program, currently in its 9th year, selects 11 films which are currently in developmental stages to receive grants.

The dramatic film focuses on the life of Mapplethorpe who rebelled against censors before he died of AIDS in 1989. The film will mark the narrative directorial debut for Ondi Timoner, best known for the 2009 documentary 'We Live in Public'.

Other films which received grants by Tribeca include a documentary about the relationship between Detroit firefights and a group of Pakistani teenagers.

Franco was last seen on the big screen in last year's "127 Hours", for which he received an Oscar nomination. His other film credits include "Eat, Love, Pray," "Date Night," "Milk" and "Pineapple Express." Franco is also known for his portrayals of Harry Osborn in the "Spider-Man" trilogy. Last year, he co-hosted the Academy Awards with actress Anne Hathaway.