Palm Pictures has acquired North American rights to FabriceDu Welz's The Ordeal (Calvaire).

The film recently took three prizes at the GerardmerFantastic Film Festival including the jury and critics' prizes. Sales have alsobeen concluded in the UK with Tartan Films, Germany's I-On New Media andBenelux's Lumiere.

Laurent Lucas stars in the thriller/horror film which wasalso a contender in Critics' Week at Cannes 2004.

French based sales house Funny Balloons concluded the Palmdeal this week. Producer Michael Gentile told ScreenDaily.com he wasthrilled with the news: "A US sale was very important to us and I reallybelieve Palm will do a great job with the film."

A US release should be scheduled later this year while MarsFilms will distribute in France beginning on March 16.