Zhang Ziyi will star in and produce the English-language drama "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" says The Hollywood Reporter.

Based on the novel by Lisa See and set in 19th century remote China, the film revolves around the lifelong friendship of Lily and Snow Flower and their imprisonment by rigid cultural codes of conduct for women.

Wayne Wang will direct from a script by himself and Michael Ray ("The Princess of Nebraska"). Wendi Murdoch and Florence Sloan are also producing.

Shooting aims to begin early next year in China.