10/05/2012 - One of the biggest independent distributors of the Netherlands, A-Film, has signed a deal to distribute titles of Belgian outfit uDream

Amsterdam-based Dutch distributor A-Film, one of the biggest independent distributors in the country, has signed a distribution deal with UDream, the distribution arm of Belgian production company uMedia. The deal involves both theatrical and home entertainment rights for the Netherlands.

The first fruit of the partnership will be the release, in June, of the 3D animated film A Monster in Paris from director Bibo Bergeron, which was already a major hit in France and several other European countries.

A month later, the French box-office hit My Way [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (Cloclo), about the 1970s French singing sensation Claude François, will follow. The film stars Jérémie Renier as the singer most famous for his hit Comme d’habitude, which was adapted by Frank Sinatra as the titular song.

Also part of the deal is the upcoming action thriller The Expatriate, which stars Aaron Eckhart and Olga Kurylenko and which was shot in Belgium and co-produced by uMedia.

“Our collaboration with A-Film offers us the best possible partner to release our titles in the Netherlands. Their proven track record across all genres – both commercial and specialised – is due to their versatility that fits perfectly with our strategy and our catalogue,” said uMedia’s founder and CEO Adrian Politowski.

Added A-Film’s Director of Acquisitions Erik Engelen: “This new partnership creates great new opportunities for us both in Belgium and the Netherlands and will reach an even broader audience. We are very much looking forward to working with such an inventive company and we’re certain this partnership will benefit us both.”