Korean independent group Mirovision has picked up world sales rights to Doppelganger, the next film by cult Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa.

The film, which is being targeted for a world premiere at one of the major autumn festivals, is a sophisticated thriller with elements of comedy and black humour about a Yakuza who tangles with the forces of death.

Made on a modest budget, Doppelganger was produced by Towani, the joint venture company set up by Toshiba, Warner Bros and Nippon Television.

Kurosawa is one of Japan's most prolific directors and has made over 20 features. But he shot to international stardom with Pulse (Kairo) and this year's Bright Future (Akarui Mirae). Pulse is set to be remade in English by Dimension Films with Wes Craven attached as director.