Telefilm Canada to fund French-language films Nitro Rush and Route 66

Alain Desrochers' action film Nitro Rush
and Érik Canuel's road movie Route 66 get into gear

MONTREAL, Dec. 9, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Telefilm Canada is pleased to announce its first financing decisions of the 2015-2016 fiscal year through the Canada Feature Film Fund: French-language feature films Nitro Rush from Alain Desrochers and Route 66 from Érik Canuel.

"We're pleased to support these two films as our first decisions for 2015-2016. Nitro Rush is the sequel to Alain Desrochers' hit 2007 action film Nitro, which generated more than $4 million at the box office," said Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. "Switching genres, Route 66 from director Érik Canuel is a shining example of a coproduction with France."

Nitro Rush
Director: Alain Desrochers
Writer: Martin Girard
Production: Attraction Images
Distribution: Les Films Séville, a subsidiary of Entertainment One

Confirmed key cast: Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge (Les 3 p'tits cochons), Raymond Bouchard (La Grande séduction), Antoine Desrochers (Nitro) and Alexandre Goyette (Mommy)

Convicted for his role in the manslaughter of a police officer, Max learns that his son Théo has just been recruited by a criminal organization. Desperate to help him, Max escapes from prison to find Théo.

Route 66
Director: Érik Canuel
Writer: Benoît Guichard
Production: Zoofilms
Distribution: Les Films Séville, a subsidiary of Entertainment One
Confirmed key cast: Michel Côté (Bon Cop, Bad Cop), Benjamin Biolay

Harley wants to spend 10 days with his old-time rebel father, David, by driving along the mythical Route 66 in a convertible Camaro. They don't see eye to eye on anything. David abandoned his family early on and Harley has never forgiven him. Father and son take to the road to try to heal the wounds of two generations, searching for meaning within an ailing American dream riddled with disillusionment.

About Telefilm Canada
Telefilm is dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada's audiovisual industry. Through its various funding and promotion programs, Telefilm supports dynamic companies and creative talent here at home and around the world. Telefilm also administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/telefilm_canada and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/telefilmcanada.

SOURCE: Telefilm Canada

For further information: Media enquiries: Douglas Chow, Head, Public Relations, Telefilm Canada, [phone], ext. 2225 or 1-800-567-0890, [e-mail]