Lions Gate Films hasacquired North American rights to Sundance Film Festival favourite Secretary, about the S&M relationship between a lawyer andhis secretary. The film was in dramatic competition at Sundance and won aspecial jury prize for originality. Directed by Steven Shainberg, the filmstars James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhall.

Peter Block, president ofhome entertainment and acquisitions, and Jason Constantine, director ofacquisitions, negotiated for the film on behalf of Lions Gate with Michael Robanand John Schmidt of ContentFilm representing the film's producers. Robanis also an executive producer on the film. London-based Alibi FilmsInternational has international rights.

Lions Gate is planning alate summer release for the film which is a double A films production, producedby Shainberg, Andrew Fierberg and Amy Hobby. It is Lions Gate's thirdSundance acquisition after Mayand Intacto.