UK-based Network has taken TV, theatrical and DVD rights three Cannes 2007 titles: Hou Hsiao Hsien's The Flight Of The Red Balloon, and Albert Lamorisse's 1956 short The Red Balloon and 1953's precursor White Mane.

The Flight Of The Red Balloon stars Juliette Binoche as a single mother who hires a Taiwanes film student to care for her son. It takes its inspiration from Lamorisse's classic short, which won the Palme D'Or and an Oscar.

Network is planning a theatrical release of all three works later this year through its booking deal with Park Circus. This marks the decade-old Network's first major foray into the UK theatrical market.

Tim Beddows, Network managing director, said: 'We have had considerable success with our theatrical reissues like The Ipcress File and Things to Come. Flight of the Red Balloon will be our first major theatrical release. It is also the first new film we are releasing under the Network banner and we are delighted to have obtained all rights to this incredible film and the two acclaimed Lamorisse classics.'

The titles were sold by Films Distribution.

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