Start-up Canadian distributor D Films has picked up all Canadian rights to Jon Amiel’s TIFF opener Creation.

The Toronto-based company was launched in August by distribution veterans Jim Sherry and Tony Cianciotta. The deal was negotiated by Sherry, president of D Films, and Cianciotta, vice-president of acquistion, with Tim Haslam, CEO of London-based HanWay Films.

The Charles Darwin biopic stars Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly along with Jeremy Northam, Toby Jones and Benedict Cumberbatch. The screenplay is by John Collee and is based on the book Annie’s Box by Randal Keynes, the great great grandson of the revolutionary evolutionary theorist.

Creation producer Jeremy Thomas said, “I’m excited that we have a vibrant distribution partner in D Films to share the Toronto Opening Night Film and the momentum that it can generate, for a film I believe will move audiences.”

Sherry said that the company’s initial acquisition was representative of the its objectives: to associate “with the most talented and recognizable industry labels and with the best in filmed entertainment from around the world.”

Cianciotta said he admired the script and was “blown away” by the finished product. He predicted major recognition at awards season.