A lavish period drama filmed in the Isle of Man last year, Belle, is scheduled to be released in cinemas across the UK and USA next spring.
Filming took place in the island between September 24 and October 10 across a range locations, including Castletown harbour which was transformed to depict Bristol docks.
And now the film has been acquired for distribution by Fox Searchlight Pictures, a unit of Twentieth Century Fox.
Inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, it is directed by BAFTA Award winner Amma Asante and produced by Damian Jones, whose previous credits include the Academy Award winning ‘The Iron Lady’.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays the lead in her first starring role along with Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson, Academy Award nominee Emily Watson, Sarah Gadon, Penelope Wilton, Academy Award nominee Miranda Richardson, Tom Felton and Matthew Goode.
Producer Damian Jones said: ‘We are thrilled this magnificent film has found the perfect home.
‘The Fox Searchlight team’s understanding of the film and its potential makes for an incredibly exciting journey through release and beyond.’
Mike Reaney, of Isle of Man Film, said: ‘Belle is a beautiful, engaging film we’re extremely proud of. Fox Searchlight Pictures will ensure the film gets the audience it richly deserves.’
Belle was the first project to go into production following the announcement of a new partnership between Pinewood Studios Group and Isle of Man Film.
Since the partnership took effect the island has received several productions including Dom Hemigway (Jude Law, Richard E. Grant, Demián Bichir), The Christmas Candle (Susan Boyle, Samantha Barks) and groundbreaking suspense chiller Camera Trap.
Our Robot Overlords is currently filming in the Island for four weeks. Sir Ben Kingsley and Gillian Anderson star in the sci-fi action drama which will boast stunning visual effects.