Mamet's 'Redbelt' to premiere at Tribeca

NEW YORK, March 25 (UPI) -- David Mamet's new big-screen drama "Redbelt" will have its world premiere at the upcoming 2008 Tribeca Film Festival in New York, organizers said.

Written and directed by Mamet, the movie stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Emily Mortimer, Alice Braga and Tim Allen.

"Mamet has a brilliant voice," Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival, said in a statement. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the premiere of his latest film 'Redbelt' at this year's festival, where it will also be the gala of the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival."

"I am a fan of both the fight film and the samurai film. 'Redbelt' is my homage to both. I hope you enjoy it," Mamet said.

"Redbelt" is to open in theaters in New York and Los Angeles May 2 and nationwide May 9.

The festival runs from April 23 through May 4.