High Point Films, the theatrical sales division of Carey Fitzgerald's London based High Point Media Group, has taken international rights to Albanian/Italian co-production, East, West, East - The Final Sprint by Albanian Gjergj Xhuvani.

Francesco Tagliabue (Sandokan, Don Milani) is producing out of Italy for Fast Rewind srl, along with Arben Taselliar (Dear Enemy, Slogans) for Albanian General Vision.

High Point 's chairman, Ronald de Neef said 'Gjergj Xhuvani is a highly gifted director whose unique work has already won him accolades from some of the top festivals around the world. High Point has a proud tradition of supporting and nurturing this kind of talent for the international market and East, West, East - The Final Sprint fits the bill perfectly.'

Xhuvani, whose previous films have won prizes at Cannes, Sundance, Tokyo and Bratislavia, bases his story on the mixed fate of Albania's national cycling team. He follows the team before the collapse of communism as they are hastily gathered together by the authorities to participate in the Tour de France, but don't manage to get any further than Trieste. Xhuvani's previous works include Dear Enemy, Slogans, The Bleating of Sheep.

Producer Francesco Tagliabue said 'We're absolutely delighted to be working with High Point on this special film. They have a rigorous, proven track record in successfully positioning distinctive titles for the international market and we look forward to a very fruitful partnership together.'