Bill Condon Directing 'The Road Home' About Paul Simon's Graceland Album
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Director Bill Condon is directing a new film, 'The Road Home', depicting the creation of Paul Simon's Graceland album and tour during the 1980s apartheid-era cultural boycott. The film, starring Cynthia Erivo, Thabo Rametsi, and Guy Pearce, has launched international sales at Cannes and is backed by a significant production consortium.
Facts First
- Bill Condon is directing 'The Road Home', starring Cynthia Erivo, Thabo Rametsi, and Guy Pearce
- The film depicts Paul Simon's Graceland album creation during the 1980s anti-apartheid boycott
- International sales launched at Cannes by Palisades Park Pictures
- Production consortium includes StudioCanal, Canal Plus, and Flora Films
- Music rights from Paul Simon have been secured for the project
What Happened
Director Bill Condon is directing a new film titled 'The Road Home', which depicts how Paul Simon and South African artists navigated anti-apartheid boycotts to create the best-selling Graceland album and tour in the 1980s. The story follows exiled trumpeter Hugh Masekela, played by Thabo Rametsi, who is depicted as being torn between Paul Simon and Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, played by Guy Pearce. Miriam Makeba, played by Cynthia Erivo, is portrayed as helping to launch the Graceland tour to highlight South African artists during the cultural boycott. Palisades Park Pictures launched international sales for the film at Cannes.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a fan of music history or cinema, this project may bring a significant cultural story to the screen with a notable director and cast. Cynthia Erivo has three Oscar nominations, which could indicate a high-caliber performance. The film's budget is in the $25 million range, suggesting a substantial production scale. The story explores a complex historical moment involving art, politics, and international collaboration, which could provide a nuanced look at a pivotal era in music.
What's Next
The production is a co-production between StudioCanal, Canal Plus, and Flora Films. StudioCanal holds distribution rights for the film in South Africa, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand. The actor portraying Paul Simon is yet to be announced. The film's launch at Cannes suggests a path towards international release, though specific dates are not provided.