London and Mumbai-based The Indian Film Company (TIFC) has announced that it will co-produce Gurinder Chadha's upcoming project, It's A Wonderful Afterlife, with the director's Bend It Films.

Hanway Films is handling international sales on the film which is scheduled to start shooting March 28 in London. The cast includes Shabana Azmi, Sendhil Ramamoorthy (Heroes) and Shaheen Khan (Bend It Like Beckham), and the film will also introduce British-Indian theatre actress Goldy Notay.

Scripted by Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges, the film is being billed as My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Shaun Of The Dead.

The film is slated for worldwide release in early 2010 with TIFC distributing in Indian territories. TIFC is an equityinvestor in the film and will enjoy a share ofglobal revenues across all revenue streamsin perpetuity.

TIFC CEO Sandeep Bhargava said: 'We like the script and the director and feel the film will have global interest. The project also fits into our strategy of not just making Bollywood films but also films with an international flavour. TIFC will not play the role of merely a silent financier but be actively involved in marketing, sales, etc.'

Chadha said: 'I am thrilled to have found an Indian partner in The Indian Film Company & Studio 18, as this new film has huge international appeal for the NRI and non-NRI audience.'

The film is The Indian Film Company's third international co-production following the Sooni Taraporevala's Little Zizou, which was executive produced by Mira Nair, and Dev Benegal's Road Movie, which was an official selection at Cinefondation, Cannes 2006.

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