The Weinstein Company and AllianceAtlantis Motion Picture Distribution (MPD) LP have signed an exclusive 80picture, multi-year distribution agreement anticipated to run through 2009.

Under the deal, MPD willdistribute all films released by the Weinstein Company and Dimension Films. Thepact re-establishes the 12-year relationship of Alliance Atlantis and theWeinstein brothers during their Miramax tenure.

In a statement, VictorLoewy, MPD CEO said "We have enjoyed a long and very successfulrelationship with Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who revolutionizedindependent film, and could not be happier about continuing to distribute theirfilms." Bob and Harvey Weinstein seconded the statement, adding thatCanadian filmgoers are "extremely important to us".

Upcoming titles set for releaseunder the pact include Transamericastarring 2005 Golden Globe winner Felicity Huffman, Mrs. Henderson Presents, starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins; the CGI animatedhit Hoodwinked,; the 2005 Sundancehit The Matador starring PierceBrosnan and Greg Kinnear and another Australian horror film Wolf Creek.

The deal was negotiated byCharles Layton, executive vice president, office of the co-chairmen, IrwinReiter, executive vice president of accounting and financial reporting, andAndy Kim, senior vice president of finance and business development on behalfof The Weinstein Company. Jim Sherry, president of Canadian Theatrical Distributionand Amy Paquette, vice president, business and legal affairs negotiated onbehalf of MPD.