British actor David Oyelowo is preparing to reunite with his Selma filmmaker Ava DuVernay for a new movie set during Hurricane Katrina.

DuVernay will write, produce and direct the drama, which will revolve around a love story and complex murder mystery during the natural disaster, which ripped through New Orleans, Louisiana in 2005.

Oyelowo is expected to take on a lead role and also serve as producer in what will be the pals' third project together - they also teamed up for DuVernay's feature film directorial debut, 2012 drama Middle of Nowhere.

Announcing the news, DuVernay says: "I'm fortunate to work again with the always exquisite David Oyelowo.

"The story we're interested in will explore the complexities of intimate relationships within times of chaos, while also examining the chaos itself. I'm looking forward to the journey."