Family-backed 'Schumacher' film set for release this year!

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A documentary film about the life of Michael Schumacher, fully backed by the F1 legend's family, is set to be released later this year.

The feature-length film - untitled 'Schumacher' - is currently in the final stages of production and will include interviews with family members, including children Mick and Gina, and a few of the great driver's past competitors.

Directed by German filmmakers Michael Wech and Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, who worked together in the past a project devoted to tennis star Boris Becker, the documentary will also feature never-before-seen archival footage of Schumacher.

The work will be the first of its kind ever produced on the seven-time F1 champion and will celebrate Schumacher's 50th birthday as well as the 25th anniversary of his first world championship title.

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"Michael's outstanding career deserves to be celebrated 25 years after he achieved his first out of seven world championship titles," said Sabine Kehm, speaking for the Schumacher family.

"We are happy this film will be in the hands of such ambitious and sensitive professionals."

Benjamin Seikel and Vanessa Nöcker of B | 14 FILM are producing the documentary along with DCM, which will release the film in German-speaking territories.

Rocket Science is the film's executive producer and will handle international sales set to begin at this year's Cannes film festival.

"It is an important year for Michael Schumacher," said producer Seikel.

"With his 50th birthday in January and the 25th anniversary of his first world championship victory in November.

"We are thrilled to have the trusting co-operation of Michael Schumacher's family and management. Without their support this film would not have been possible."

"It is time for a film," added Nöcker. "And it goes without saying that we are very much aware of the great responsibility we bear here."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.