Japan's Klockworx has become the first buyer to commit to Iron Ladies: The Early Years, the new picture to be handled by Fortissimo Film Sales.

The film, to be directed by Yongyooth Thongkonthun, is both a sequel and a prequel to his smash Thai comedy The Iron Ladies. The original film ' sold to more than 50 territories ' was based on the true story of the Thai male volleyball team which was populated largely by gays and trans-sexuals.

Production is once again by Visute Poolvoralaks and the cast once again includes Jesdaporn Pholdee, Sahaparp Virakamntr, Jojo Miox shi, Chaichan Nimpoolsawasdi and Kokkorn Benjatikul.

"We were really heartened by distributor and audience reception to what was a pioneering film of the new generation of Thai cinema. Iron Ladies: The Early Years was born out of their feedback which we took back to the director and producer," said Fortissimo co-chief Wouter Barendrecht.