Strand Releasing has acquired all US rights to Florian Gallenberger’s epic historical drama John Rabe and will release in spring 2010.

The German-French-Chinese co-production is based on the diaries of Rabe, who was known as the Oskar Schindler of China for his part in the rescue of more than 200,000 civilians during the Nanking Massacre. 

The deal was done between Strand’s Jon Gerrans and Beta Cinema’s Dirk Schuerhoff. 

“We have been pursuing this impressive, historic film since its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival and look forward to introducing John Rabe to a US audience,” Gerrans said.

Beta Cinema has sold the drama in more than 20 countries including Italy, Spain, Mexico, Belgium and Denmark.

John Rabe won four Golden Lolas in Germany this year for best picture, best actor for Ulrich Tukur, best production design and best costume design.

The film also stars Daniel Bruhl, Steve Buscemi, Anne Cosigny, Zhag Jingchu, and Teruyuki Kagawa.

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