Tribal Films, the new Irish distribution and sales outfit set up in July, has announced its acquisition of all Irish rights to Sean Walsh's Bloom with plans for an early February theatrical release.

Bloom (formerly Bl,.m) is an adaptation of James Joyce's Ulysses. The film's Dublin premiere will coincide with the anniversary of the author's birthday on February 2 and the beginning of major celebrations to mark the centenary of the day described by Joyce in the novel.

Tribal's founder Will Silke, who previously worked at Miramax Films, Shooting Gallery and Offline Releasing in New York, believes Bloom is the kind of movie that is right for the company's first foray into Irish distribution. "I've always been an fervent admirer of Joyce's greatest work, so when the opportunity arose to discuss Bloom with Sean at the Galway Film Fleadh I just jumped on him and said I want it!"

Bloom will be released nationwide on 10-15 prints. Distributors will hope that the film, starring Stephen Rea, Angeline Ball and Hugh O'Conor, will emulate the success of many local films at the Irish box office this year where they have collectively grossed Euros 11m.