Focus, Universal sign German distrib deal

April 24, 2009 BERLIN – Focus Features International, Universal Pictures International (UPI) and German production outfit UFA Cinema have signed a wide-ranging distribution and financing deal that will see Universal take over exclusive distribution of UFA films for German-speaking Europe. The Papua New Guinea set coming of age tale "Jungle Child;" German screwball comedy "Tauben auf dem Dach;" kids soccer film "The Devil Kickers" and "Hanni and Nanni," a would-be franchise based on Enid Blyton's "St. Claire's" boarding school series. Christian Grass, Co-CEO of Focus Features International and Paul Steinschulte, managing director of UPI Germany said the deal would allow both companies to benefit from the growing market for German-language films, both in Germany and internationally.

Subscribe to the Hollywood Reporter and see the entertainment industry from its best angle: the inside looking out. Complete access to real-time news and exclusive analysis that goes behind the scenes from film to television, home video to digital media.

   Subscribe now.