MiramaxFilms has acquired the North American rights to comedy Eagle vs. Shark, the debut feature from TaikaWaititi, previously nominated for an Oscar for his shortTwo Cars One Night.

Eagle vs. Shark stars New Zealand actors LorenHorsley and Jemaine Clement in the story of two misfitssearching for acceptance. It was shot on location in and around Wellington and is in post-productionnow.

Waititi developed the project at Sundance Institute'sDirectors and Screenwriters Labs. Actor Horsley also collaborated on thescript.

Ainsley Gardiner and Cliff Curtis of WhenuaFilms are producers.

"Asa fan of Taika Waititi'sshort film prior to Cannes, I was eager to see whathe would come up with next," said Miramax president Daniel Battsek."Once we saw the unusually witty footage from Eagle vs. Shark, there was no question that we had to act fast. Wethink his quirky sense of humour will translate well to US audiences and feelthis film is a great addition to Miramax's growing slate."

Theproject was brought to Miramax by Peter Lawson, VP acquisitions, who willoversee the project with Keri Putnam, president of production and KristinJones, senior VP production, international development & acquisitions.

Thedeal was negotiated by Miramax's executive VP business affairs Michael Luisi with Kathleen Drummand Catherine Juniot of New Zealand Film.