Mamet directed his screenplay – inspired by his fondness for fight and samurai films – that was produced by Chrisann Verges. The film premiered as part of the Tribeca Film Festival in April.

Actors Chiwetel Ejiofor, Emily Mortimer, Alice Braga, Tim Allen and Joe Mantegna appear in the contemporary set samurai film that will be released nationwide May 9.

In "Redbelt," "Mike Terry (Ejiofor) is the chief instructor at the Southside Jiu-jitsu Academy," according to press notes. "Although a talented fighter, he refuses to compete in professional bouts. Instead, he trains dedicated students in the art of self-defense: bodyguards, cops, and soldiers. At his brother-in-law's club one evening, Mike saves famous action star Chet Frank (Allen) from a severe beating. His defense of Frank leads to a job in the film industry, but other events conspire to force Mike to participate in a prizefight."

Mamet — a Pulitzer Prize winner for his drama Glengarry Glen Ross — is currently represented on Broadway with his latest play, November. His works for the stage include Speed-the-Plow, The Cryptogram, American Buffalo, Sexual Perversity in Chicago, Romance, Boston Marriage, The Old Neighborhood and The Voysey Inheritance. His screenplays include "The Verdict," "Wag the Dog," "State and Main," "The Spanish Prisoner" and "The Untouchables."

For further information visit www.sonyclassics.com/redbelt.