Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) has acquired all North American rights from Pathe to Sylvain Chomet’s animated tale The Illusionist.

The film is based on an unproduced screenplay by Jacques Tati and is produced by Bob Last with Jake Eberts and Philippe Carcassonne handling executive producer roles.

The Illusionist tells the story of a stage entertainer at risk of becoming obsolete who meets a young fan who changes his life. It marks the second time distributor and director have collaborated after The Triplets Of Belleville.

The film received its world premiere at the Berlinale as a special selection and will open at the end of the year.

“Collaborating with Sylvain on The Triplets Of Belleville was such a fantastic experience; we are so thrilled to be back partnering with him again on The Illusionist, as well as our friends at Pathe, and producers Bob Last, Jake Eberts and Philippe Carcassonne,” SPC said in a statement. “With a moving storyline and a work of art in each frame, audiences both young and old will connect with this film.”

“Sony Pictures Classics understands the strengths of Sylvain’s work and have the passion required to take the film to the widest possible audience,” Last said. “I am delighted to be working with SPC again.”