Actors Chiwetel Ejiofor, Emily Mortimer, Alice Braga, Tim Allen and Joe Mantegna appear in Mamet's contemporary American-set samurai film, which will premiere April 25. The picture is inspired by Mamet's fondness for fight films and samurai films. In "Redbelt," according to Tribeca Film Festival, "Mike Terry (Ejiofor) is the chief instructor at the Southside Jiu-jitsu Academy. 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 directs his screenplay. The film is produced by Chrisann Verges. "Redbelt" will be released in New York and Los Angeles May 2, with a national release date slated for May 9.

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."

The 2008 Tribeca Film Festival promises to screen 122 films, 55 of which are world premieres, during its 12-day run from April 23-May 4. For further information visit www.tribecafilmfestival.org.