Hilary Swank will star in Betty Anne Waters, a drama with Tony Goldwyn attached to direct.

According to Variety, the story is about a single mother who worked her way through law school in order to free her brother, who was wrongfully convicted of murder.

Omega Entertainment is financing and will distribute worldwide. The film was scripted by Pamela Gray.

Swank will play the title role in the true story of a high school dropout who would not give up her belief that her brother, Kenneth, had been framed. In between raising kids and waiting tables, she worked her way through college and law school so she could represent her brother after he’d used up his attempts to appeal his conviction through public defenders.

Originally set at Universal and Working Title as a vehicle for Naomi Watts, Betty Anne Waters stalled and was resurrected with independent financing by Omega Entertainment.

Production will start in January in Michigan.