Filming for 'World's Fastest Indian' underway

1.00pm

The filming of Roger Donaldson-directed The World's Fastest Indian is underway in Utah and will soon move to New Zealand for an 11-week shoot.

The film tells the story of Invercargill speed legend Burt Munro, who will be played by Academy Award-winner, Anthony Hopkins.

It is being financed by the New Zealand Film Production Fund, the New Zealand Film Commission and Tokyo-based OLC/ Rights Entertainment.

Acting Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard said the film was another boost for an already buoyant New Zealand film industry.

The recent success of local films showed that New Zealand was finally getting over its "cultural cringe" and recognising it had something important and compelling to say to the world, she said in a statement.

- NZPA