Sundance Selects picks Jack Kerouac novel-based "On the Road" film

PanARMENIAN.Net - Kristen Stewart's upcoming drama "On the Road" has finally found its U.S. distributor. On Tuesday, May 8, it was officially announced that AMC Networks has acquired the rights to the Walter Salles-directed film, which will be released nationwide by the company's film distribution labels IFC Films and Sundance Selects, AceShowbiz reported.

Of the newly inked partnership, IFC Films/Sundance Selects president Jonathan Sehring said, "This is a major forward for us, and we plan to work across AMC Networks in putting all our resources together to make this theatrical release into a significant cultural event." He added, "We will show the same passion in releasing this film as the team took behind producing it."

Meanwhile, AMC CEO Josh Sapan gushed on the novel-adapted movie, "Walter Salles has made an ambitious and accomplished film out of Jack Kerouac's iconic novel. It's a classic road movie with career-making performances from Garrett Hedlund and Sam Riley, and a terrific showcase for Kristen Stewart and Kirsten Dunst. This exceptional piece of filmmaking is the cinematic equivalent to the ground-breaking original content that our company produces for its networks."

Based on a novel by acclaimed Beat Generation's poet Jack Kerouac, "On the Road" follows the journey of an aspiring New York writer Sal Paradise. After the death of his father, Paradise meets Dean Moriarty, a wild and infectiously charismatic ex-con. They hit it off immediately.

Determined to avoid the pitfalls of a narrow, prescribed life, Paradise hits the road, joining Moriarty on what evolves into a life-changing physical and emotional odyssey. Thirsting for freedom, they discover the world, the ecstasy of experience, the connectedness of humanity and ultimately themselves.

Also supported by Tom Sturridge, Viggo Mortensen, Amy Adams and Steve Buscemi, "On the Road" will have its world premiere during the 2012 Cannes Film Festival in the Competition Section. IFC Films/Sundance Selects has scheduled to release it nationwide later this fall.