Strand Releasing has acquired all US rights to Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Palme D’Or winner Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.

Strand plans a spring 2011 release.

The deal was negotiated between Jon Gerrans of Strand Releasing and Michael Weber of The Match Factory, which is handling sales on the film and has now sold to more than 40 territories.

Strand has a long history with Weerasethakul, previously distributing Blissfully Yours, Tropical Malady and Syndromes and a Century.

The film is about a man suffering with acute kidney failure who is spending his final days in the countryside, where spiritual incarnations of his loved ones appear.

“We’re thrilled to be working on this film and am so happy to continue our long and on-going relationship with both a colleague and friend that we call Joe,” said Marcus Hu of Strand.

“Speaking on behalf of all its producers, we’re very happy that Uncle Boonmee will be handled by Strand in the US. They have demonstrated a long commitment to both Joe and his earlier features. We are sure that they have the passion, experience and skills to bring Uncle Boonmee to his widest audience yet and the one he so richly deserves,” said Illuminations Films’ Simon Field and Keith Griffiths on behalf of the producers.

“We’re glad to continue our close relationship with Strand Releasing with such an exceptional film like Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives. I’m sure Strand Releasing is the best possible partner to bring this film to the US audience,” added Weber.

Uncle Boonmee is produced by Kick the Machine Films and Illuminations Films with Anna Sanders Films, The Match Factory, GFF Geissendoerfer Film-und Fernsehproduktion KG, and Eddie Saeta SA.


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