Actor Michael Cera, shown Sept. 6 at the Toronto International Film Festival, will appear in Paper Hearts.Actor Michael Cera, shown Sept. 6 at the Toronto International Film Festival, will appear in Paper Hearts. (Carlo Allegri/Associated Press)

A new film featuring Canadian actor Michael Cera is expected to debut at next year's Sundance Film Festival, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Sundance won't announce its lineup until December, but Paper Hearts is already creating high expectations.

Paper Hearts is described as part documentary, part scripted comedy, and centres around Cera's real-life relationship with girlfriend Charlyne Yi, who played the pigtailed stoner in Knocked Up.

The film has drawn attention for its host of talent from the Judd Apatow stable — the director is Nicholas Jasenovec, an actor from Superbad making his directing debut.

Promoters have released little information about the film, hoping it will emerge at Sundance as a surprise hit.

Cera, born in Brampton, Ont., has acted since he was a teenager, but came to wide acclaim with roles in Superbad, Juno and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.

The Sundance Film Festival, considered the foremost forum for independent films, announces its 2009 program next week.