Edward Berger, whose topical papal thriller Conclave is nominated for 10 Oscars, is to direct a film version of the forthcoming memoir of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

Gershkovich was held in Russia for more than a year on false charges of espionage before being released as part of a prisoner swap last August.

Gershkovich, 33, will executive produce along with the Wall Street Journal and his mother, Ella Milman. The deal, which has been struck with United Artists head Scott Stuber and Amazon MGM, also includes rights to Milman’s own book proposal.

Also onboard is super-producer Amy Pascal, who recently worked with United Artists on Challengers.

The memoir will be published next year in the US by Penguin Random House imprint Crown. David Weil is being eyed to write the screenplay; his previous credits include the Amazon series Citadel and Hunters.

Concave, Berger’s take on the Robert Harris thriller, written for the screen by Peter Straughan, has moved into frontrunner position for the best picture Oscar – to be announced on Sunday – following big wins at the Baftas and Screen Actors Guild awards.

Berger’s previous feature, a remake of All Quiet on the Western Front, won seven Baftas, including best picture, and four Academy Awards.

This year will see the release of Words of War, starring Maxine Peake as the late Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya.