Latin American regional distributor NuVision has launched its own distribution arm in Argentina. It will continue its sub-distribution deal with local partners In the rest of the region.

According to NuVision director Pedro Rodriguez, NuVision parent company, giant live entertainment conglomerate CIE, owns radio stations in Argentina which will provide some media support for its releases. 'By running our own operations, we hope to ride the storm in Argentina,' said Rodriguez.

In Brazil, NuVision has consolidated its theatrical and home video sub distribution with Europa Filmes. It has terminated its relationship with Art Filmes which used to distribute its theatrical releases. In Mexico, it has a sub distribution deal with Videocine, the film division of leading network Televisa.

NuVision has released 30 films in Latin America since its launch in late 1998, financed by a $15m annual budget.

Recent acquisitions include: We Were Soldiers, The Mothman Prophecies, Crush, No Good Deed, They, Buffalo Soldiers, Slackers, Asesino En Serio, Domestic Disturbance, The Dancer Upstairs and Sin Noticias De Dios.

The distribution arm of Estudio Mexico Films, Nuvision had reported sales of $30m in 2001, up from $5m in 1999.

It is set to launch US distribution operations later this year with a release slate of six to eight films a year.