Metrodrome has taken rights to the Samuel Maoz’s debut feature Lebanon for the UK and Ireland, while Rialto will handle Australia and New Zealand. The film also screens at TIFF this weekend.

The deal was brokered by Metrodome chief executive Peter Urie, general manager - distribution Sara Frain and head of acquisitions James Brown, with Violaine Pichon for sales agent Celluloid Dreams and Kelly Rogers of Rialto Pictures.

Lebanon is based on the director’s real life experience of the Lebanon War and centres on four soldiers who become trapped in an immobilised tank deep in enemy territory during the conflict.

Metrodome will release Lebanon in UK cinemas in Spring 2010.

Frain said: “We are thrilled to be one of the first territories to sign Lebanon, which we are sure will be a big hit on the festivals and awards circuit.”

The two companies previously worked together last September on the release of Martin Provost’s Seraphine.

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