EXCLUSIVE: Warner Bros has UK rights to feature starring and choreographed by troupe frontman Ashley Banjo.
Pathe International‘s market premieres include Stephen Frears’ drama Philomena, starring Steve Coogan and Judi Dench, and musical Diversity: Rise, based on the success of UK dance troupe Diversity, which beat Susan Boyle on the third season of talent show Britain’s Got Talent.
Diversity frontman Ashley Banjo, co-host of Sky series Got to Dance, will choreograph and star in Diversity: Rise, which will be directed by Doctor Who and Sherlock director Euros Lyn from a script by in-demand newcomer Tom Edge. Former Working Title executive David Livingstone produces for Calamity Films.
The film is due to shoot in the UK in April. Warner Bros. will distribute locally.
Dance troupe Diversity consists of three sets of brothers and four other members, ranging from 15 to 27.
Livinstone told Screen: “Diversity is the biggest street dance group in the world in terms of ticket sales. This is a sensational story. Of course, we have high expectations for the film’s success in the UK, but judging on the global success of the likes of Step Up there is a broader market out there for entertaining dance films.”
Pathe’s slate also includes awaited Nelson Mandela biopic Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom and Denis Villeneuve thriller An Enemy. UK thriller The Last Passenger gets its first market screening.
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