LA-based microdistributor Jour de Fete Films has acquired US theatrical distribution rights to Chaiken Films' Big Eden, a gay romantic comedy which is the directorial debut of Thomas Bezucha. Arye Gross, Louise Fletcher, Eric Schweig and Nan Martin star in the film which will open in Los Angeles and San Francisco on June 1, 2001.

Big Eden, which tells the story of an unlikely romance in America's heartland, was named best picture at the Miami Gay And Lesbian Film Festival and won a best actor prize for Eric Schweig at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Festival.

The deal was negotiated by Jour De Fete co-presidents Mike Thomas and Dan Castle and the film's sales reps Steven Beer and Emerson Bruns of Rudolph And Beer.