Independent distributor Archibald Film Enterprise has taken Italian rights to Tom Ford’s directorial debut A Single Man following the film’s Venice debut.

The deal was closed with sales agent IM Global last week, an Archibald spokesperson confirmed to ScreenDaily.

Archibald plans a January 22 release on Italian screens – allowing the film to benefit from Oscar season buzz.

The film received a warm reception at the Venice Film Festival last month. Colin Firth received the Coppa Volpi Best Actor award for his portrayal of a gay British professor in Los Angeles grieving from his partner’s death. It also received the Queer Lion, which is given to features with gay themes or characters.