Jupiter Communications has picked up all rights for French-speaking territories to Li Ying's documentary Yasukuni, from Hong Kong-based sales agent The Film Library.

The controversial film, about the Yasukuni shrine to worship the war dead in Tokyo, was released in Japan on May 3. It was originally scheduled to open on April 12, but was delayed because local theatres were concerned about security issues.

As the film touches on the sensitive subject of Japan 's role in WWII, it has been subject to protests and death-threats by right-wingers, as well as counter-protests from different sectors of Japanese society.

Li was advised by Japanese police to stay away from Japan during the film's May 3 release. He attended Cannes this week to work with its local distributors on the French release. Jupiter is planning a theatrical release for the film later this year, in association with Floris Films.

Jan Roeloffs from Jupiter Communications said: 'In a more and more violent world, it is essential to get conscious of the criminal aspects of war.

'This confrontation with the ugly, non-heroic side of war will not change the past but allow us to improve the future of our children. I am proud to be able to contribute in a modest way by showing this exceptional documentary.'

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