Axiom Films takes on UK and Irish rights to Side by Side, the documentary about the rise of digital technology in film co-produced by actor Keanu Reeves.

The film, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February, explores the science, art and impact of digital cinema.

Directed by Christopher Kenneally and co-produced by Justin Szlasa, the film will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Feb 15.

The UK agreement was a direct deal between Axiom and Szlasa.

Rocio Freire-Bernat, director of acquisitions at Axiom, described it as “an exhilarating study on the impact of digital technology in the film industry”.

In the doc, Reeves explores the development of cinema and impact of digital film-making through interviews with directors including James Cameron, David Fincher and George Lucus as well as cinematographers such as Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire).

It has toured the international festival circuit throughout the year including the US where it is distributed by Tribeca Film.