Steve Coogan to star in apartheid drama

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/21/steve-coogan-to-star-in-apartheid-drama

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Steve Coogan has signed up for a role in new South Africa-set drama Shepherds and Butchers, according to Deadline.

The actor, who was nominated for two Oscars for producing and writing Philomena, will be taking on a key role in the new film from director Oliver Schmitz. The story starts as apartheid is crumbling and a lawyer decides to defend a white prison guard who has been charged with killing seven black men.

The film is based on a book by Chris Marnewick based on a true story from 1987 that made headlines across South Africa.

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Schmitz has directed a number of TV movies and local films, including Life, Above All. The script has been written by Brian Cox, who will also produce. Cox also produced the Samuel L Jackson thriller Kite and co-produced Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

Since Philomena, Coogan has had a small role in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, and will have a voice role in the Despicable Me spin-off Minions. He also has a new starring role on TV in Happyish, a Showtime comedy drama that was originally set to star Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Shepherds and Brothers will start shooting in June.