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Telefilm Canada gives $2.7M to Cronenberg's 'Cosmopolis'

The Canadian Press Published Thursday, June 16, 2011 1:27PM EDT

Canadian director David Cronenberg smiles prior to receiving the prestigious Legion d'Honneur, France's highest distinction, during a private ceremony in Toronto on Wednesday, April 1, 2009. (Darren Calabrese / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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TORONTO - Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg has lined up government funding for his upcoming star-studded thriller "Cosmopolis."

Telefilm Canada announced Thursday it has invested $2.7 million into the movie, which is based on the novel by Don DeLillo.

Robert Pattinson of "Twilight" fame stars as a billionaire asset manager on a 24-hour odyssey across Manhattan.

Co-stars include Juliette Binoche, Paul Giamatti, Samantha Morton and Jay Baruchel.

Cameras recently started rolling on the film in Toronto and some "Twilight" fans have stood around the set for hours trying to catch a glimpse of Pattinson.

The 40-day shoot will run through mid-July in Toronto.

"David Cronenberg is the definitive Canadian artist, who despite receiving many tempting offers to move to Hollywood, has remained in Canada to practice his craft," Carolle Brabant, Telefilm executive director, said in a news release.

"Since his early years in the '70s as a visionary horror film director, Telefilm has been a proud supporter of this edgy auteur who constantly eyes new challenges, while all the while creating films that connect with mainstream audiences worldwide."

Said Cronenberg: "Telefilm has made my career in Canada possible. Their continuous support of my work since my early days as a filmmaker has allowed me to remain and work at home."

"Cosmopolis" is produced by Martin Katz of Toronto-based Prospero Pictures and Paulo Branco through Paris-based Alfama Films Production as a Canada-France co-production.