Icon Entertainment International has taken over worldwide rights to Hunger, the CannesUn Certain Regard opening film.

Steve McQueen directed the film about the 1981 IRA hunger strike in the Maze Prison. Michael Fassbender is said to give a star-making performance as Bobby Sands.

Icon recently acquired Australian media group Becker Entertainment, including sales arm Becker International. Becker had previously held the rights to Hunger.

The film has been co-financed by Channel 4, Northern Ireland Screen and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.

Ariel Veneziano, president of Icon Entertainment International commented: 'We are thrilled to be able to bring Hunger to the international marketplace. It's an important project from an exciting first-time director. Being selected as the opening night film for Un Certain Regard just confirms what an outstanding film Hunger is.'

Icon International now also sells the worldwide rights to other Becker films, including Adam Elliot's animated Mary & Max and Dan Castle's Tribeca premiere Newcastle.

Icon's Cannes line-up also includes Chris Smith's Triangle starring Melissa George and Paul McGuigan's Push (with Summit).

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