Shochiku has taken Japanese rights to Richard Attenborough's Closing The Ring, in a deal here at the AFM with ContentFilm International.

ContentFilm also has closed deals on the film with Hopscotch in Australia, TeleMunchen in Germany, Alliance Atlantis/Odeon in Canada, A-Film in The Netherlands, Lusumundo in Portugal, Monolith in Poland, Gussi in Mexico, Paris in Brazil, PCV in Greece, Nu-Metro in South Africa, and Paradise in Russia.

The epic love story, set in 1991 and World War II, stars Shirley MacLaine, Christopher Plummer, Mischa Barton, Neve Campbell, Pete Postlethwaite and Brenda Fricker.

"We're very proud that Shochiku have been as moved as we have by this wonderfully emotional and romantic epic," said Jamie Carmichael of ContentFilm.

Kaz Moriguchi from Shochiku added: "We're honoured to work with Lord Attenborough and we look forward to welcoming him to Japan."

ContentFilm is now showing a new extended 13-minute teaser at the AFM.