Madrid-based distributor Alta Films has picked up rights in Spain to Venice Golden Lion winner The Magdalene Sisters.

Alta also said it had closed Spanish rights to 11.09.01, the compilation of short films from 11 international directors reflecting on the terrorist attacks of last year. The effort screened Wednesday in Toronto as part of the festival's commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the event.

Directed by Scottish actor Peter Mullan, The Magdalene Sisters walked away the top winner from the Venice Film Festival on Saturday. The film tells the story of a group of young Irish women forced to live in a Catholic convent in the 1960s.

Other recent pick-ups by Alta Films, Spain's most important arthouse and original version distribution-exhibition company, include 8 Femmes, Bend It Like Beckham and Sweet Sixteen.