Fridrik Thor Fridriksson's Icelandic Film Corporation (IFC) has stepped up its buying/distribution ambitions, picking titles like 24 Hour Party People and Once Upon A Time In The Midlands even before their screening in Cannes.

Distribution now accounts for 30% of IFC's activities, and the company has hired Isleifur Thorhallsson as new head of marketing, sales and acquisitions who is at Cannes this year.

"We have previously released films from our regular co-production partners like Zentropa and Peter Rommell, but we also handled Central Station and In The Mood For Love," says Anna Maria Karlsdottir, longtime collaborator of Fridriksson in charge of production and distribution.