The UK's Optimum Releasing and Australian/New Zealand distributor Rialto have bought HBO Films' Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winner American Splendor as the first title in a joint buying relationship.

Optimum has taken UK rights to the docu-drama, while Rialto has all rights in Australia and New Zealand. Optimum managing director Will Clarke, whose pick ups include Spirited Away and Amores Perros, said that the informal but ongoing relationship with Rialto 'is about strength in numbers.'

Rialto chief Kelly Rogers, who handled Real Women Have Curves and The Cat's Meow, said it made sense for sales companies to deal with 'one powerful arthouse distributor.'

UK distributor Momentum Pictures picked up UK and Australian rights to Myriad Pictures' Eulogy at this year's AFM, while Icon has been steadily taking rights to both territories.