Veteran entertainer Barbra Streisand is set to direct her first movie in 16 years - as soon as she secures the finances.

The singer/actress will get back behind the camera to make Skinny And Cat, her first directing project since 1996 romantic comedy The Mirror Has Two Faces.

Oscar winners Colin Firth and Cate Blanchett are currently tipped to take on the lead roles in the drama about author Erskine Caldwell and his late photographer wife Margaret Bourke-White.

A spokesperson has confirmed Streisand's involvement but tells Reuters the film has not been given the greenlight as the Funny Girl star is yet to raise the $20 million needed.