Out Filmmaker Roland Emmerich to Direct Stonewall

Out filmmaker Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) announced on his Facebook page that he will be directing Stonewall, a feature film based on the historic 1969 New York City riots that took place at the Stonewall Inn and launched the modern LGBT liberation movements.

"I wanted you to be the first to know that I will begin shooting Stonewall this Spring," wrote Emmerich. "For those of you who aren't aware, the legendary Stonewall Inn is the birthplace of the modern Gay Rights movement. I plan to keep you updated along the way with casting information and lots of pictures and behind-the-scenes videos."

Emmerich will also produce the film along with Michael Fossat and Marc Frydman.

Written by Jon Robin Baitz, the drama will focus on the political awakening of a young man against the backdrop of the Stonewall riots in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City.

However, Emmerich's attempt to bring a pivotal moment in LGBT history to the big screen doesn't mean the director will shy away from creating more of those big-budget blockbusters for which he's best known.

The filmmaker is also currently developing ID Forever -- a sequel to his sci-fi classic Independence Day -- scheduled to invade theatres July 1, 2016.