EXCLUSIVE: UK distributor Arrow has take UK rights to Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Competition entry, Like Father, Like Son [pictured].

The deal was clinched between Arrow’s head of acquisitions Tom Stewart and Carole Baraton, head of sales at Wild Bunch.

“Koreada’s work universally touches the audience and the opportunity to continue with his stunning work was simply impossible to turn down,” Stewart commented.

“Following their great success with (Kore-eda’s earlier film) I Wish in the UK, Arrow Films were hugely enthusiastic in embracing Kore-eda’s next stunning picture and we’re delighted to continue our relationship together,” Carole Baraton commented.

Like Father, Like Son screens in Cannes this weekend. It’s the story of a family thrown into turmoil after a phone call from the hospital in which their son was born. Fukuyama Masaharu leads the cast. Arrow is likely be releasing the film in late 2013/early 2014.