Studiocanal and Canal+ Team Up for Graceland Band Film ‘The Road Home’ Starring Cynthia Erivo, Thabo Rametsi, and Guy Pearce
Studiocanal and Flora Films Collaborate on ‘The Road Home’
Studiocanal has announced a partnership with Flora Films to produce The Road Home, featuring renowned actors Cynthia Erivo, Thabo Rametsi, and Guy Pearce. The film is set to explore significant themes surrounding the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.
Oscar-winning director Bill Condon will lead the project, working from an original screenplay by Michael Bronner, whose previous credits include The Mauritanian and United 93. The story is crafted in collaboration with Bronner and acclaimed South African author Zakes Mda.
Set against the backdrop of apartheid, the film follows trumpeter Hugh Masekela, portrayed by Rametsi, as he navigates the complex dynamics of exile. With the anti-apartheid movement gaining momentum, led by his mentor Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, played by Pearce, Masekela wrestles with his role in the boycott against fellow musician Paul Simon. This conflict stems from Simon’s album Graceland, which is accused of violating the United Nations’ Cultural Boycott. Masekela, who sees music as a vital tool in the struggle, teams up with legendary vocalist Miriam “Mama Africa” Makeba, portrayed by Erivo, to form a supergroup designed to amplify South Africa’s voice globally. The film will showcase the music of Masekela, Makeba, and Simon.
Michael Bronner, who gained insight into South African culture while working on a Peabody Award-winning documentary for 60 Minutes, was approached by the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation to develop the screenplay. The foundation, with its extensive knowledge of Masekela’s legacy, provided valuable guidance throughout the development process. Bronner has also conducted extensive research and interviews, including discussions with Simon, to ensure authenticity in the narrative. Zakes Mda contributed additional research by interviewing Masekela as well.
Veteran music producer Hilton Rosenthal will serve as co-producer, overseeing new recordings from Masekela and Makeba’s catalog to feature in the film’s soundtrack. Rosenthal played a key role in supporting Simon during the making of Graceland, which earned the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1986. He has also secured music rights for both Simon and other iconic African artists associated with the film.
The Road Home is set to be produced by Laura Bickford, Michael Bronner, Greg Yolen, and Anant Singh, along with executive producers Fiona Druckenmiller and Rob Bath. Studiocanal executives Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, and Shana Eddy-Grouf are also on board as executive producers, with Sudie Smyth leading physical production.
Funding for the film comes from Studiocanal in collaboration with Flora Films and Rob Bath. Studiocanal plans to release the film in regions including South Africa, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand. U.S.-based Palisades Park Pictures, backed by Ashland Hill Media Finance, will handle international sales during the forthcoming Cannes Film Festival.
Condon is represented by WME, Anonymous Content, and Alexander, Lawrence, Frumes & Labowitz. Bronner is managed by Echo Lake, Anonymous Content, and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols. Rametsi is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Myman Greenspan, while Erivo is with UTA, Entertainment 360, The Lede Company, and Peikoff Mahan. Pearce is represented by CAA, Independent Talent Group, and Shanahan Management.
