IFC Films has swooped on US rights from Wild Bunch to Ken Loach’s competition crowd-pleaser Looking For Eric following its world premiere on Monday (May 18).

It will release through its IFC In Theaters theatrical and VOD label and previously handled Loach’s 2006 Palme d’Or winner The Wind That Shakes The Barley and 2007 Venice Golden Lion contender It’s A Free World.

Loach directed the film with his usual team of writer Paul Laverty and producer Rebecca O’Brien. Former Manchester United and France footballer Eric Cantona served as executive producer along with Why Not Production’s Pascal Caucheteaux and Wild Bunch’s Vincent Maraval.

Cantona conceived the story and enjoys an extended cameo in the story, playing himself as the inspiration for a down-at-heel postman. Steve Evets, John Henshaw, Stephanie Bishop and Lucy-Jo Hudson also star.

IFC’s vice-president of acquisitions and co-production Arianna Bocco brokered the deal with Carole Baraton of Wild Bunch.

Jonathan Sehring, IFC Entertainment president, said Loach has made “the most accessible, crowd pleasing film of his amazing career.”

“We are thrilled Looking for Eric has found an American home with IFC Films,” O’Brien said. “Both Ken and I are very happy to continue our successful relationship with IFC Films.”

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