Queen Latifah will be starring in and executive producing an HBO drama based on the real-life struggle of a former drug addict-turned-AIDS activist.

The Hollywood Reporter recently announced HBO's plans to start shooting "Life Support" next month. The film casts the Academy Award-nominated rapper-turned-actress as a mother who survives a dangerous addiction to drugs. Centered around the HIV crisis in the black community, the film was scripted by writer Nelson George ("The Chris Rock Show"), who based the story on his sister and their family's experience.

In addiction to Latifah, Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx also serves as an executive producer.

After receiving supporting actress nods from the Golden Globes and Academy Awards for her turn as prison warden Matron Mama Morton in 2002's Chicago, Latifah has starred in Taxi, Beauty Shop, Last Holiday and animated feature Ice Age: The Meltdown. Her next up to bat at movie theatres is Columbia Pictures' comedy Stranger Than Fiction alongside Will Ferrell and Dustin Hoffman.