'We are thrilled that 'Florida Road' provides yet another opportunity to present Durban as a leading location on the international movie scene,' says Toni Monty, head of the Durban Film Office (DFO), 'and we hope to see the Durban public taking ownership of this film when they see scenes being shot, right on their doorstep.'

'Florida Road' tells the story of 'Shaan', a mid 20's Indian man with a heart of gold and a desire to write the next great Hollywood screenplay. Shaan and his two brothers, (Sanjay & Mani) moved to Durban with their parents from Mumbai, India, who wanted to provide a better life and career opportunities for their children. Shaan has yet to succeed largely because of the struggles he has in understanding the relationships with the people closest to him… especially his father and his eldest brother, Sanjay. When an untimely health issue hits the family, secrets are exposed and Shaan is forced to come to terms with life itself. The movie is a heartfelt story about love, culture, family values and following your dreams.

The film will be directed by Brad Glass, who had been developing the story for several years. He has spent a large part of his professional career working as an actor in his native United States and in several different countries including Spain, Australia, Italy and South Africa.

Fred Fontana wrote 'Florida Road' from an original concept, suggested by Glass. Fontana is a Hollywood veteran who has been both a producer and writer. He was a producer on American hits 'Soldier' starring Kurt Russell and 'Vegas Vacation' with Chevy Chase. His other feature credits include 'The Specialist' with Sylvester Stallone and 'The Next Karate Kid' with Hilary Swank. He recently produced the 'indie' film 'Stone & Ed' and has written for the television series 'Diagnosis Murder'.

The handsomely popular Bollywood star Ashmit Patel with play the lead role of ‘Shaan’. The promising young actor from India has starred in such Bollywood films as 'Murder' and 'Banaras' and is making big splashes fresh off his roles in the new films 'The Flag' and 'Friends Forever'. The very talented Bollywood actor Vipin Sharma, who recently co-starred in the Disney acquisition 'Taare Zameen Par', will portray Patel's father in the film, 'Raj'.

Stepping into the role of Shaan's mother is the accomplished Bollywood actress Smita Jayakar who has acted in over 100 films.

Taking on the role of 'Shaan's' eldest brother 'Sanjay', will be Bollywood actor Priyanshu Chatterjee who has worked in many Bollywood films, bringing his acting talent to the this complex role.

Rounding out part of the Sekhar family will be South African actress Vicky Davis, who will portray Shaan's sister-in-law, 'Charlene' who is married to his brother Sanjay. Davis enjoyed a successful run on the hit South African series '7De Laan'.

Corine Du Toit, the very popular RSA actress from the smash South African soap series ‘Egoli’ will bring life to 'Sheila' an aspiring actress who meets Patel’s character Shaan at an audition and helps pave the way of his progression. 'Florida Road' will be one of the first feature films Du Toit tackles after her recent departure from the hit series. Jack Devnarain of Isidingo fame plays a cameo role as the family doctor.

Both Davis and Du Toit are enjoying much success in the film industry after joining Boss Management in South Africa, who has assisted in securing their roles in 'Florida Road'.

A recent acquisition to the cast is South African actor and comedian Cokey Falkow who will play the part of 'Deon', the best friend of Patel's character 'Shaan'. 'Deon is a loveable slightly offbeat struggling actor who provides the humour to the film through his charm and continued one-liners.

Independent South African cinematographer Dave Aenmey, who worked behind the camera on the much-anticipated South African film 'Hansie', will shoot the movie. His recent credits include the critically acclaimed 'Faith Like Potatoes' and 'Lost Souls'.

Award-winning composer, producer, arranger and conductor Andrew T Mackay is responsible for the music.

Cameras and technical support will be provided by Panavision Johannesburg. Jeff Rice from SB Productions is the on-line producer on the movie.

Distribution is planned for South Africa, India, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and the Southeast Asian region.