I will admit that her films have generally flopped -- although she was brilliant in Evita! -- but Madonna is giving moviemaking another go.  This time, she's directing.  And with the documentary subject matter close to her heart, I Am Because We Are may just be a hit.  It's slated to open at Sundance in January 2008.

The title is one definition of the word "ubuntu", a concept spread over Southern African countries and used to describe the interconnectedness of man and the importance of community. It is said to be critical in the development of an African Rennaissance rooted in democracy and concensus.

Madonna's film will tell the story those affected by disease and poverty in Malawi and the good work that her organization has been doing there in the past couple of years.  You'll remember that her third child David Bana was adopted from Malawi.