UK-based Goldcrest Films International has acquired all international rights to $14m war drama To End All Wars, starring Robert Carlyle and Keifer Sutherland.

The deal marks a step into the theatrical arena for Goldcrest, which has been quiet on the features front since splitting with Guy Collins' IAC Films. The film, which will screen at Cannes, is based on the true story of a young Scottish soldier whose regiment was captured by the Japanese in 1942 and forced to build the notorious Railroad Of Death.

Goldcrest's involvement in the film included covering the bulk of the costs for post-production, which was completed at the company's London facility.

"This typifies the kind of deal which works for Goldcrest," said the company's president, Stephen Johnston. "We have a talent resource at Goldcrest Post-Production which is second to none, plus the financial ability to step in when the circumstances are right. The film makes an excellent addition to the Goldcrest library".

Directed by the US' David Cunningham, To End All Wars was produced by the US' Argyll Film Partners and stars Cairan McMenamin, Mark Strong and James Cosmo, plus Kurosawa regulars Masauki Yul, Sakae Klmura and Shu Nakajima.