March 28, 2015 - 13:15 AMT
Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan drama “Suffragette” release date set

Focus Features has given historical drama “Suffragette”, starring Meryl Streep and Carey Mulligan, an awards-season release date of Oct. 23 in the U.S., Variety reports.

Sarah Gavron directed from a script written by Abi Morgan. Focus acquired the rights earlier this month.

The cast of the U.K.-based film includes Helena Bonham Carter, Ben Whishaw, Anne-Marie Duff and Brendan Gleeson.

The story, inspired by the early 20th century campaign by the suffragettes for the right of women to vote, centers on Mulligan’s character, a working wife and mother who comes to realize that she must fight for her dignity both at home and in her workplace.

Streep is playing Emmeline Pankhurst, a British political activist and leader of the British suffragette movement.

Producers are Ruby Films’ Alison Owen and Faye Ward. The film’s executive producers are Cameron McCracken, Tessa Ross, Rose Garnett, Nik Bower, James Schamus and Teresa Moneo.

Photo: Getty Images