Fund head Robert Jones is investing half a million pounds (UKP500,000) in critically acclaimed director Patrice Leconte's new feature, the first investment in a foreign film since the superbody was created.

Leconte's latest, L'Homme du Train is a comedy drama written by Claude Klotz and is currently being shot in Annonay in France.

His previous films include critical and commercial successes such as The Hairdresser's Husband, Monsieur Hire, La Fille Sur le Pont (winner of last year's Césars for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Cinematographer), and Ridicule which won BAFTA's Best Film not in the English Language in 1996.

The film stars Jean Rochefort as Manesquier, a former teacher longing to live dangerously. French rock icon Johnny Hallyday also stars as Milan, a disenchanted criminal plotting to rob a local bank who longs for the pipe and slippers lifestyle. Both men meet and begin a wary friendship when Manesquier offers hospitality hoping Milan's brooding veneer rubs off on him.

The film is produced by Philippe Carcassonne, co-produced by Carl Clifton for Tubedale Films, financed by Canal Plus, the Premiere Fund, Cine B, Zoulou Films, Sofinergie, Rhône Alpes Cinema, Eurimages. Pathé will distribute in the UK. Pathé International is handling international sales.