Paris-based distributor Pretty Pictures has taken Frenchrights on controversial Critics' Week title, The Great Ecstasy OfRobert Carmichael. The Thomas Clay directedfilm has shocked viewers thanks to a graphic gang rape scene, although reviewshave been generally positive.

French sales and finance outfit Wild Bunch is representingthe film internationally.

The UK film should land a spot in the Dinard Festival ofBritish Cinema later this year. Pretty Pictures' James Velaise called thefilm, "as shocking as Deathwishwas 25 years ago."

But, he said thecontroversy would be good for the film's buzz and expects that it willreceive an over 18 only certificate.