NZ Film has just signed overSpanish and French rights to The World'sFastest Indian to Alta and Rezo respectively, as the film has topped theNew Zealand chart in its first week of release with $542,000 (NZ$775,375), fivetimes more than nearest rival Dark Water.

Kathleen Drumm, NZ Film headof sales and marketing, told Screendaily thatthere are very few territories left for sale. The most paid was by EEAP, whichsold it on to Universum for release in Germany and Switzerland, and by Italian International Film for Italy. It is understood there were three offers for Italy, each exceeding US$1m, although Drumm refused tocomment.

"It is such a pleasure and aprivilege to sell something that I know can work all over the world," Drummsaid.

The World's Fastest Indian recorded a screen average of $8,743 (NZ$12,506) from62 prints in its first week and distributor REP/Becker hopes it will reach one millionadmissions. Both its gross and screen average are higher than for recentreleases such as Wedding Crashers, The Hitchhikers Guide ToThe Galaxy and Kingdom Of Heaven.

"The first week gross is avery, very pleasing result, in line with WhaleRider but better in terms of admissions because ticket prices to Whale Rider were discounted as it wasreleased at the same time as the Americas Cup," said Joe Moodabe, CEO ofleading New Zealand circuit Village Skycity Cinemas.

Anthony Hopkins plays NewZealander Burt Munro, who recorded a world speed record in 1967 on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah on his beloved classic Indian motorcycle. Thatrecord remains unbroken.

The film will next bereleased in the US in January although distributor Magnolia Pictures will give it a run inDecember so that it is eligible for the Academy Awards. Magnolia bought thefilm on the eve of its world premiere at the Toronto International FilmFestival. It will be released by Becker in Australia at Easter.