Kojo Pictures is launching itself into Australian theatrical distribution with a very high-profile title: Palme d'Or winner 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. The abortion-themed story from director Cristian Mungui is likely to go into cinemas by October and will first screen at the Melbourne International Film Festival next month.

The Adelaide-based company has also picked up another Wild Bunch title, the screwball comedy Go Go Tales, as well as the Irish drama Garage from MK2. Kojo's Dean O'Flaherty, who left sales company Arclight to join Kojo's feature film division about five months ago, is also in negotiation on several other films.

'We want to be seen as a prestigious arthouse distributor,' said Kent Smith, head of Kojo Pictures. But he won't turn down crossover titles, of course. 'The mainstream market is catered for more than adequately by the big players and we are trying to cater for the niche market that is more orientated to cinephiles.'

Smith co-founded the Kojo Group, which has been in the film and video production business for about 25 years and now employs about 60 people. It expanded into feature film production a couple of years ago through its involvement in director Murali K Thalluri's 2:37 , which was in Cannes last year.

Smith said it made sense for Kojo to be in distribution given it new interest in Australian feature film production. The next film, Elise, starring pop singer and former Neighbours cast member Natalie Imbruglia, is likely to go into production in October. It is a joint venture between Kojo and Essential Viewing, the production company behind Clubland, which opens in Australian cinemas on June 28 and in US cinemas on July 4.

Kojo is also developing Beautiful, a film about suburban secrets and lies that has been written by O'Flaherty.

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