Samuel Goldwyn Films and Roadside Attractions will jointlydistribute the Toronto International Film Festival's closing night film AmazingGrace in the US.

The Bristol Bay Productions' feature is directed by Michael Aptedand stars Ioan Gruffudd as the anti-slavery champion William Wilberforce.

The cast includes Romola Garai, Rufus Sewell, BenedictCumberbatch, Youssou N'Dour, Ciaran Hinds, Michael Gambon and Albert Finney.

The film is being lined up for release on Feb 23, 2007, the 200thanniversary of the British Parliament's vote to abolish the slave trade.Lakeshore Entertainment is handling international rights and will commencesales at Toronto.

Samuel Goldwyn Films president Meyer Gottlieb and RoadsideAttractions co-president Howard Cohen negotiated the deal with Bristol Bay's executivevice president of business and legal affairs Jim Meenaghan.

The Bristol Bay Productions in association with Ingenious Film Partnerswas produced by Terrence Malick, Edward Pressman, Patricia Heaton, David Hunt,and Ken Wales. Jeanney Kim served as executive producer and Steven Knight wrotethe screenplay.