Wellspring haspicked up all US rights to Arnaud Desplechin's drama Kings & Queen (Rois Et Reine), which received its world premiere atVenice earlier this month and is scheduled to play at the New York FilmFestival next week.

The company plans2005 theatrical and DVD releases for the picture, which centres on the parallelstories of two ex-lovers whose lives remain intertwined. Mathieu Almaric,Emmanuelle Devos and Catherine Deneuve star.

Wellspring'shead of acquisitions Marie Therese Guirgis negotiated the deal with CaroleBaraton of Wild Bunch on behalf of producer Pascal Caucheteux' Why NotProductions.

"Kings And Queens is hilarious, smart, rich and moving;it's Desplechin s most accessible film to date," Guirgis said in a statement.

"We hope to significantly expand the audience for thisgreat director who has long been a critical favorite here in the US."

CurrentWellspring releases include Cedric Kahn's Red Lights, Vincent Gallo's The Brown Bunny and Tsai Ming-liang's Goodbye, DragonInn.