Mark Urman’s fledgling distributor Paladin has pounced on domestic rights to Jeb Stuart’s civil rights drama Blood Done Sign My Name.

Paladin plans a limited February 19, 2010, release for the story based on Timothy Tyson’s book of the same name about the consequences of a racial murder in 1970s North Carolina.

Nate Parker and Rick Schroder star and the ensemble cast includes Afemo Omilami, Lela Rochon, Nick Searcy, Michael Rooker, Darrin Dewitt Henson and Gattlin Griffith.

Stuart adapted the screenplay and produced with Mari Stuart, Mel Efros, and Robert K Steel. The release will coincide with Black History Month and the film will expand throughout February and March.

Paladin’s maiden release was Disgrace, the adaptation of J M Coetzee’s prize-winning novel starring John Malkovich. Next up will be The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond on December 30.