DVD label Koch Lorber Filmshas signed an exclusive multi-film deal with Manhattan-based Empire Picturesthat includes the license of US home video rights to eight films.

Titles include PatriceChereau's erotic drama Intimacy and Diane Kurys' romantic period drama Children Of The Century starring Juliette Binoche.

The parties also agreed onan output deal for upcoming Empire releases.

In a statement releasedtoday (Jun 6) Richard Lorber, president of Koch Lorber Films, said:'Empire Pictures is a strong new player in the theatrical distribution ofquality international films...their diverse roster of award-winning cinemamakes them a key partner as we launch our own new DVD label.'

Empire Pictures'president Edmondo Schwartz said: 'This deal represents the ideal videolabel-video distributor relationship for us.

'With Richard Lorber'sexpertise in the specialty film arena, Koch Lorber's impressive staff and theirnew 100,000 square foot fully automated distribution facility, we are confidentwe will be able to maximize potential video revenue for our titles.'

Koch Lorber Films waslaunched earlier this year by Koch Entertainment and Lorber Media as a DVDlabel focusing on quality world cinema, independent documentaries, music andthe performing arts.