UK distributor Soda Pictures has acquired Crossing TheBridge; The Sound of Istanbul, the new filmfrom award winning director Fatih Akin.

Akin, winner of the Berlin Golden Bear Award and EuropeanFilm of the Year for Head-On, returnswith a musical documentary homage to Istanbul.

Literally crossing the bridge from traditional to modernTurkish music, from Eastern to Western influences, the film is a tour ofneo-psychedelic rock to hip hop and the classic arabesque.

Soda Pictures managing director Edward Fletcher said:'After our recent successful release of Head-On in the UK we are delighted to be able to continueworking with Fatih Akin and look forward to sharing in the celebration andsuccess of Crossing the Bridge.'

Crossing the Bridgeplayed out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival this year and will bereleased by Soda Pictures in late 2005. Head-On will be released on DVD in August 2005.