Road, Movie selected as Berlin Festival opener

Jan 14, 2010 NR

Mumbai, January 14 2010 - The Opening Night Generation 14plus Gala of the 60th Berlin International Film Festival has been confirmed as ROAD, MOVIE from writer/director Dev Benegal, presented by leading Indian motion picture studio The Indian Film Company (TIFC) in association with Studio 18.

The film has already received glowing public receptions in Toronto, Tokyo and Doha before heading to Berlin. Road, Movie will screen in the Generation 14plus competitive programme.

The movie is represented by International Sales giant Fortissimo Films, its first Hindi language title. Road, Movie will be theatrically released in Germany later this year by Senator Film.

Road, Movie an original screenplay by Dev Benegal, is produced by eminent producers Susan B. Landau and Ross Katz. Katz who earned the Best Picture Academy Award Nomination for Sofia Coppola's LOST IN TRANSLATION as well as Todd Field's IN THE BEDROOM. Susan B. Landau's dozen strong repertoire includes AN IDEAL HUSBAND the Cannes closing night film in 1999, starring Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Julianne Moore and Rupert Everett. Her production and management company represents SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE's Simon Beaufoy.

Road, Movie is written and directed by Dev Benegal whose first feature presentation ENGLISH, AUGUST was hailed as a landmark in contemporary Indian cinema and had ignited a wave of independent Indian filmmakers. His second feature presentation SPLIT WIDE OPEN premiered at the Venice International Film Festival. Between them the films have won seven international awards and have been a great success at the box office.

Road, Movie follows Vishnu played by screen sensation Abhay Deol (DEV D) as a restless young man who rejects his father's faltering hair-oil business and hits the road with a Chevy travelling cinema in search of freedom. Along the journey Vishnu ponders his life's priorities as he learns to appreciate his culture and the power of friendship and love. Colourful and full of unforgettable characters, ROAD, MOVIE celebrates India's panorama and the pure love of film. Deol is supported by Bollywood actor/director Satish Kaushik and Tannishtha Chatterjee, who both gave notable performances in the 2007 British film BRICK LANE.

Road, Movie, Benegal's love letter to cinema boasts - stunning cinema-photography from the Rajasthan and Gujarat region, with a memorable

score by Michael Brook.

On having his film invited to open the Generation section, Dev Benegal comments: "I'm thrilled that Road, Movie is the opening film for Berlinale Generation 14plus. It's a story close to my heart; about the young generation, our love for the open road, music and the desire to break free and celebrate independence. It's an honour to be at the Berlinale in its 60th year and I look forward to meeting the young audiences coming to see my film."

Fortissimo Films' Chairman Michael J. Werner remarked, "We are thrilled that Road, Movie was selected for this honour. In his film, director Dev Benegal captures and delivers the essence of India in a compelling tale that strikes a universal cord. Together with Senator Film as our German Distributor, we are sure that the film will prove to be a crowd pleaser and a great success in Berlin."

Remarked Sandeep Bhargava, CEO of the advisory company to Indian Films, "The incredible festival run of Road, Movie is testimony of our vision to back high quality content. Its selection as the opening film of Generation at Berlinale is another statuette on the mantelpiece."

The 60th Berlin International Film Festival will run between 11 and 21 February, 2010. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Road, Movie