Djimon Hounsou to play Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege in 'Panzi'

Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou is set to portray the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege in biopic "Panzi".

The film will be helmed by actor-turned-director Marie-Helene Roux, reported Variety.

Mukwege is a prominent Congolese gynecologist who founded the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, where for decades he has been treating thousands of women who have been raped by armed rebels.

He was jointly awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize with Iraqi Yazidi human rights activist Nadia Murad for "their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict".

1divided acquired the rights to the life story of Mukwege and his colleague and friend Guy-Bernard Cadiere. The two doctors, who have been working hand-in-hand to end sexual violence against women in Congo, co-wrote the book "Panzi".

Published in 2014, the book chronicles what they have witnessed and experienced at the hospital, with heartfelt testimonies from victims.

The film is currently in casting and is scheduled to start shooting next summer.