A Contracorriente nabs 'Guard'

MADRID -- Arthouse producer-distributor A Contracorriente Films has snagged all of the the spanish language language rights to Irish black comedy "The Guard," starring Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle. "Guard" -- which has acquired Gleeson a Golden Globe nomination for his turn just like a small-town Irish cop -- marks John Michael McDonagh's directorial debut. After its summer season release, pic acquired north of $7.5 million inside the U.K., compiled by Element, and $5.3 million Stateside, handled through the new the new sony Pictures Classics, two standout perfs. A Contracorriente inked "Guard" rights from U.K. sales company Ealing Metro Intl. The The the spanish language language theatrical bow is scheduled for first half 2012 on around 50 prints. Barcelona-based A Contracorriente has furthermore inked with Valencia's production company Nadie Es Perfecto to think about theatrical and home theatre rights to David Marques' soccer comedy "Fuera p juego," which bows in the united states first quarter 2012 on around 100 prints. Centered on popular arthouse movies, A Contracorriente aims to create twelve films next season, mentioned founder Adolfo Blanco. Many 2012 slate highlights originate from France, including local blockbuster "Untouchables," action-thriller "Point Blank," Audrey Tautou's romancer "Delicacy," political drama "The Conquest" and gastronomic comedy "The Chef," which Contracorriente co-produces alongside Gaumont. "French movies aren't not even close to the tastes in the The the spanish language language audiences, and then we look with great interest whatsoever the film projects from that territory," Blanco mentioned. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com