Madonna debuts as a director

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Madonna made her film directing debut yesterday - as she started shooting her new mini-movie in London. The pop superstar is making a 30-minute film entitled Filth and Wisdom, believed to be a comedy based on the star's own experiences. A source said: "Shooting has just started and it's a chance for Madonna to showcase another of her talents. It's just a short film at the moment but it's expected to be a hit at film festivals."

Madonna, 48, hopes filming will wrap by July when she is due back in the recording studio. She said: "I hate to be such a tease, but you know how I am." The mother-of-three - who directed the TV advert for her 'M by Madonna' clothing line with high street chain H+M - held acting auditions for the project last month.

Characters reportedly include an Indian chemist owner, a Jewish businessman, and a failed ballet dancer who becomes a pole dancer. Meanwhile, Madonna's husband Guy Ritchie is also set to return to filmmaking this summer. Guy, 38, will write, produce and direct low-budget gangster flick 'RocknRolla'.

The British director is hoping the movie will be better received than his last two films, Swept Away and Revolver. Swept Away, which starred Madonna, was panned by critics and went straight to rental.