MFA has acquired the German and Austrian rights to Hella Joof's as yet unfinished Danish gospel comedy drama Oh Happy Day from Nordisk Film International Sales. Earlier this year Ascot Elite picked up Swiss rights to the film.

The buy was made based on a 10-minute promo, as the film won't be completed until Cannes, and is set for an Oct 29 release locally.

Actress turned director Joof, who had a major local hit with her debut Shake It All About (2001), co-wrote the script with Jannik Johansen (Stealing Rembrandt) based on an original idea by lead actress Lotte Andersen (Old New Borrowed And Blue) who is joined by Ditte Graaboel (Move Me) and US actor Malik Yoba.

The story sees a Baptist preacher from Harlem get stranded in a provincial Danish town, after a bus accident with his touring gospel choir. Alone amidst suspicious Danes, he teaches the local church choir gospel music and touches the life of one bored housewife in particular.

The music in Oh Happy Day is composed by Rick Astley, and the film is produced by Thomas Gammeltoft for Fine & Mellow Production in collaboration with Ugly Duckling Films.