Paramount Classics has acquired rights in Japan, Australia and New Zealand to Istvan Szabo's epic drama Sunshine, following its US acquisition of the movie after its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival last year.

The film, which was produced by Alliance Atlantis Communications and Robert Lantos' Serendipity Point Films, is a three-hour saga about three generations of a Jewish family in Hungary. It stars Ralph Fiennes in three different roles as well as Rachel Weisz, Jennifer Ehle, Rosemary Harris, Deborah Kara Unger and William Hurt.

The latest deal was clinched by Mark Horowitz, president of Alliance Atlantis Pictures International, and Robert Lantos of Serendipity Point, with Ruth Vitale and David Dinerstein of Paramount Classics.

Alliance Atlantis has already released Sunshine in Canada where it has grossed over $460,000 at the box office and will also release it in the UK through its own distribution operation. Alliance Atlantis partner Kinowelt has German rights. Alliance Atlantis Pictures International is handling the rest of the world.