EXCLUSIVE: German distributors have revealed further acquisitions concluded at last week’s European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin.

Ascot Elite Filmverleih, the German distribution arm of Switzerland’s Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, has picked up Yann Demange’s Competition film ‘71, which had been tipped to win the Golden Bear.

The drama, set during the Northern Ireland “Troubles”, was passed over by the International Jury headed by James Schamus, but received a Special Mention from the Ecumenical Jury.

The German distributor also acquired New Zealand director Toa Fraser’s Maori action epic Dead Lands, which is currently in production on the North Island as a UK-New Zealand co-production and is being sold internationally by XYZ Films.

In addition, rights for the motor cycling documentary Road were bought for a straight-for-DVD release from The Works.

Alamode buys new Dardennes

Munich-based Alamode Film, whose acquisitions last year included the Berlinale’s Gloria and the Golden Palm-winner Blue Is The Warmest Colour, joined forces with Wild Bunch Germany to acquire Deux Jours, Une Nuit by Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne.

In addition, Liza Azuelos’ romantic comedy Quantum Love (Une Rencontre), starring Sophie Marceau and Francois Cluzet, was picked up from Pathé International. Pathé will release the film in France on April 23.

Alamode’s other acquisitions included such titles as Quentin Dupieux’s Reality and Leigh Scott’s Piranha Sharks for straight-to-DVD release.

StudioCanal tunes into Sing Street

The German outpost of StudioCanal has acquired John Carney’s next project, the semi-autobiographical, coming of age story Sing Street, which is being sold internationally by FilmNation.

This news comes as StudioCanal’s evp theatrical distribution Kalle Friz was promoted to the position of COO with responsibility for theatrical distribution as well as all of StudioCanal Germany’s marketing activities for cinema, home entertainment and new media.

The new organisation of StudioCanal’s marketing operations has been accompanied by the departure of Jan Rickers from the company from his post of evp home entertainment. In addition, Sönke Hinrichsen has been appointed as vp home entertainment sales after having previously served as head of sales home entertainment.

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