Story perspectives

Erivo, Pearce Start Anti-Apartheid Film “Road Home”

4/23/2026

Summary

Cynthia Erivo Filming

Filming “The Road Home” begins in June in South Africa, starring Cynthia Erivo and Guy Pearce.
The R300 million film is financed by StudioCanal, Flora Films and Rob Bath.
It will be distributed in South Africa, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Poland, Australia, New Zealand.
Michael Bronner wrote the screenplay with Zakes Mda, focusing on 1980s anti-apartheid clash over Paul Simon’s “Graceland.”
Palisades Park Pictures will launch international sales at Cannes.

Summary

Marsh Launches Film

Anna Marsh, CEO of StudioCanal and chief content officer of Canal+, said the company is honoured to bring a South African resistance story to screen and aims to share it worldwide as music shapes identity and change.
Hilton Rosenthal developed the script and secured music rights for Paul Simon, Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba.
Michael Bronner, approached by the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation, researched the film and interviewed Paul Simon.

History

Historical Context

Paul Simon's 1986 album "Graceland" ignited controversy for collaborating with South African musicians during apartheid, defying a cultural boycott initiated by the UN in 1980. Featuring artists like Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba, the album highlighted cultural resistance. This clash between art and politics reflects ongoing discussions about music's role in social change, echoing the anti-apartheid movement's efforts to raise awareness globally.

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Cynthia Erivo Filming

Filming “The Road Home” begins in June in South Africa, starring Cynthia Erivo and Guy Pearce.
The R300 million film is financed by StudioCanal, Flora Films and Rob Bath.
It will be distributed in South Africa, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Poland, Australia, New Zealand.
Michael Bronner wrote the screenplay with Zakes Mda, focusing on 1980s anti-apartheid clash over Paul Simon’s “Graceland.”
Palisades Park Pictures will launch international sales at Cannes.

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