QED International has closed a deal with the producers to handle sales on the upcoming true-life drama Soul Surfer for the whole of Europe, Russia and Japan.

FilmDistrict is partnering with Sony on the North American launch and will channel the film through TriStar in a wide release set for Arp 8.

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions picked up North America and substantial international rights prior to production on the story of young surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her left arm in a shark attack and went on to become a champion.

AnnaSophia Robb plays Hamilton and Soul Surfer also stars Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Carrie Underwood in her feature debut.

Sean McNamara directed from a screenplay he co-adapted with Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz and Deborah Bonann Schwartz from Hamilton’s memoir Soul Surfer:  A True Story Of Faith, Family And Fighting To Get Back On The Board.

Enticing Entertainment and Island Film Group financed the project, which is a production of Mandalay Vision, Brookwell McNamara Entertainment and Life’s A Beach Entertainment.

Sean McNamara directed and produced alongside David Zelon, Douglas Schwartz, David Brookwell and Roy “Dutch” Hofstetter. David Tice and Dominic Ianno served as executive producers.

McNamara co-adapted the script with Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz and Deborah Bonann Schwartz from Hamilton’s memoir Soul Surfer:  A True Story Of Faith, Family And Fighting To Get Back On The Board.