A topical and controversial story of a priest involved in a sex scandal has been acquired by Columbia TriStar Mexico. Carlos Carrera's El Crimen Del Padre Amaro, starring Mexico's fast-rising star Gael Garcia Bernal (Amores Perros, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Motorcycle Diaries) sold all Mexican rights, with a first option for worldwide rights to the company.

Earlier this year, Columbia Tri Star Mexico boarded its first Mexican co production, the comedy thriller Sin Ton Ni Sonia, now in post production. Aside from covering 20% of the estimated $1m budget, Columbia TriStar picked up the local and international distribution rights to the project.

The $1.9m drama El Crimen, is based on a classic novel published in 1875 by Portuguese writer Jose Maria Eca de Queiroz, which has been re-set in modern-day Mexico, and centres on a scandal about a priest, played by Bernal, who impregnates a young woman who then gets an abortion.

Given the current spate of child abuse scandals involving priests in the US, the film promises to cause quite a stir when Columbia releases it in June.

The studio plans to release it on 300 to 350 prints, considered mega Hollywood blockbuster standards for Mexico. It is targeting a September debut for Sin Ton Ni Sonia with as many prints. "It will be a one- two punch," said Philip Alexander, managing director of Columbia TriStar/BVI Mexico. "Through these films, we hope to firmly establish our commitment to Mexican cinema."

El Crimen Del Padre Amaro was produced by Alameda Films in association with Wanda Vision (Spain), Art Cam (France), Cinecolor (Argentina), Blu Films (Mex), Imcine and the Vera Cruz state of Mexico. Alfredo Ripstein and Daniel Birman, the father and nephew of Mexican director Arturo Ripstein respectively, served as producers.

Bernal leads a Mexican cast which includes Ana Claudia Talancon (who plays the girl), Damian Alcazar and Angelica Aragon and Spanish actor Sancho Gracia.

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