EXCLUSIVE: Artificial Eye nabs UK rights to Quinzaine title The Selfish Giant [pictured].

Artificial Eye has picked up UK rights to Clio Barnard’s Directors’ Fortnight entry The Selfish Giant 2013. Release is set for November 15, 2013.

Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s story of the same name, Barnard’s follow up to The Arbor follows two teenage boys who get caught up in the world of copper theft.

Backed by the BFI Film Fund and Film4, Tracy O’Riordan produces for Moonspun Films. Protagonist handles sales.

Louisa Dent, managing director of AE parent company Curzon Film World, said: “We’re thrilled to be releasing The Selfish Giant. Clio Barnard is fast establishing herself as one of the most distinctive and important directorial voices working in British cinema.”

Mike Goodridge, CEO of Protagonist Pictures added: “Protagonist is very proud to be bringing The Selfish Giant to the worldwide marketplace, and this deal with Artificial Eye marks the perfect start to the film’s life. Clio Barnard is the kind of inspiring and visionary film-maker for whom the Artificial Eye name stands, and I am sure Louisa and her team will do a fantastic job for Clio’s breathtaking film in the UK just as they have for Robert Bresson and the Dardenne Brothers in the past.”

Protagonist’s Cannes slate also includes Israel Horovitz drama My Old Lady, thriller Alive Alone set to star Matthias Schoenaerts and Noomi Rapace and Born To Be King.