Deadline is exclusively reporting that Jessica Alba, Russell Harvard and Daniel Durant are set to star in sports drama Flash Before The Bang, inspired by the true story of an all-deaf High School track and field team in 1980’s Oregon.

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The story focuses on a bullied deaf track runner who seeks opportunity at a high school for the deaf – but his hopes of glory are dashed by the unmotivated team and a deaf coach in the throes of a mid-life crisis. The underfunded, overlooked team will have to dig deep to overcome adversity at every turn in their attempt to seize an unprecedented victory at the 1986 Oregon State Track and Field Championship.

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The film is being written and directed by Jevon Whetter, on whose experience the story is based on. He released a statement saying:

I am convinced that the world is ready for an uplifting story that authentically depicts people with disabilities as they deserve to be portrayed – as multi-dimensional beings with hopes, flaws, and dreams who are capable of becoming fighters, heroes, and champions.

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Jessica Alba released a statement saying:

I was deeply moved by this script based on the true story of the filmmaker Jevon Whetter, which shows the little-known reality of what life was like for deaf and disabled people who were cut off from society in almost every way prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. I’m so excited to be a part of this groundbreaking story about deaf people, made by deaf filmmakers, with a primarily deaf cast for mainstream audiences.

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Delbert Whetter, producer on the project and Jevon’s brother, released a statement saying:

I watched with my own eyes as Jevon’s younger brother and as a fan on the stands. This story is one of the most profound life changing moments that I ever experienced, and I cannot wait for the world to see this story on the screen and be inspired by it too.

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Whetter will produce alongside John D. Eraklis of Exodus Film Group, Mary Aloe of Aloe Entertainment, and Tiffany FitzHenry of FitzHenry Films. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck will serve as executive producers alongside Fanshen Cox in association with Trujulo Productions, and Jessica Alba.

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Production on the film is being scheduled to commence in Georgia in September, with more than half the characters in the ensemble being set to be portrayed by deaf actors. The Exchange will introduce the film to international buyers at the upcoming Cannes Film Market, with UTA Independent Film Group handling U.S. rights.