Burt Munro film to premiere at Toronto film fest

New Zealand film The World's Fastest Indian will have its world premier at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The film, directed by New Zealander Roger Donaldson and starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, is based on the life of legendary Invercargill motorcycle speedster Burt Munro.

Hopkins plays Munro, a man who never let the dreams of youth fade. After a lifetime of perfecting his classic Indian motorcycle, Burt sets off from the bottom of the world to test his bike at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

With all the odds against him, he wins support from the most unusual allies in his quest to set a new speed record and captured the spirit of his times.

Munro's 1967 world record remains unbroken and his legend lives on today.

The World's Fastest Indian is among nine movies to have their world premiers at Toronto.

"Roger Donaldson and star (Sir) Anthony Hopkins will both be there to introduce the film at the world premiere," New Zealand Film's Kathleen Drumm said.

"Toronto is an A list Festival and we can expect a high profile for the film to be generated by the many international media covering the 10-day event."

Donaldson will be joined by his producer, Gary Hannam, and the film's executive producers.

The 30th annual Toronto International Film Festival will be held from September 8 to 17.

The World's Fastest Indian will be released in New Zealand on October 12.

- NZPA