Natasha McElhone and James Purefoy will star in the $15 million historical drama "Heaven & Earth" for Focus Films reports Variety.

Penned by Malcolm Kohll and Marsha Levin, the story revolves around Britain's first female doctor, James Miranda Barry (McElhone), who was forced to disguise herself as a man in order to practice medicine.

The film will tell the story of the early 19th century love affair between Barry and the governor of Cape Town, Lord Charles Somerset (Purefoy). David Pupkewitz and Malcolm Kohll will produce, while Marleen Gorris will direct.

Shooting begins December 10th in the UK before moving onto a six-week stint in Cape Town.