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The sizzling screen duo has been completed for Miramax Films and Artisan Entertainment's much anticipated feature film "Havana Nights: Dirty Dancing 2" with the announcement today that Romola Garai has been cast as the female lead in the romantic, music-driven film. Garai will star opposite Diego Luna in the second installment in the "Dirty Dancing" franchise.

"Havana Nights: Dirty Dancing 2" is being directed by Guy Ferland and produced by veteran producer Lawrence Bender. The co-production is scheduled to begin production in February 2003 and scheduled for release on November 21, 2003.

Additionally, accomplished music supervisor Bud Carr (The Doors, Any Given Sunday, Born on the Fourth of July) has been tapped for the film.

Artisan and Miramax will co-finance and co-produce 'Havana Nights: Dirty Dancing 2' with Artisan distributing the film domestically and Buena Vista International distributing internationally.

Inspired by the original, but set in 1959 Cuba, "Havana Nights: Dirty Dancing 2" follows the story of a 17-year-old girl who moves with her family to revolution-era Cuba. While in Cuba, she defies her family's wishes when she falls for a young Cuban dancer, who helps her discover both herself and a world beyond her sheltered existence.

Romola Garai's credits include roles in feature films and made-for-television movies. She recently starred as Cassandra Mortmain in the BBC feature film "I Capture the Castle" and held a role in the MGM/UA film Nicholas Nickleby." For the small screen she has the leading female role in "Daniel Deronda," and can also be seen in "Perfect" and "Attachments" for the BBC.

Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein and Artisan Entertainment CEO Amir Malin negotiated the original co-production arrangement for "Havana Nights: Dirty Dancing 2."

"Dirty Dancing" was initially released on August 21, 1987 and starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in her breakthrough role, while transporting viewers to the summer of 1963 to observe a young girl's coming of age. The film earned a number of awards and distinctions including Best Song wins from both the Academy Awards(R) and Golden Globes(R) and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Film (Musical or Comedy).

The original theatrical release of "Dirty Dancing" was one of the great milestones in the landscape of the independent theatrical business. The film's soundtrack has sold over 32 million units, making it one of the largest selling albums in RCA recording history. In the home entertainment arena, "Dirty Dancing" is the most popular selling DVD/Video in the vast Artisan library, which also includes "Terminator 2," "It's A Wonderful Life," "Reservoir Dogs," and "The Rambo Series" of films amongst other significant titles. "Dirty Dancing's" sales are stronger today than during the film's initial theatrical release, confirming the movie's lasting popularity. Artisan has sold an average of 157, 000 "Dirty Dancing" VHS and DVD units per month so far this year (1/01/02 - 11/01/02).

SOURCE: Artisan Entertainment and Miramax Films