Icon Film Distribution (IFD) has acquired UK theatrical and home entertainment rights to James Marsh's documentary Man On Wire.

The deal was done with UK production company Wall To Wall.

Man On Wire won the jury prize and audience award in the World Cinema Documentary competition at Sundance.

The film is about Philippe Petit's daring plan to walk a high wire between the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in New York in 1974.

Hugo Grumbar, president of IFD, said: 'We are delighted to be distributing Man On Wire, one of the most dramatic and thrilling films we've seen in some time. The positive early reactions and the awards from Sundance show what an audience friendly film this truly is.'

Producer Simon Chinn added: 'Icon's track record, combined with their clear passion and enthusiasm for Man On Wire, makes them the obvious company to distribute the film.'

Man On Wire marks Wall To Wall's first theatrical documentary, after TV projects including Who Do You Think You Are' and 1900 House.

The film is also backed by Discovery Films, BBC, the UK Film Council and Red Box Films. Jonathan Hewes served as executive producer.

Magnolia Pictures will distribute in North America. The Works International is handling all other international sales for the film, which has already gone to to Australia and New Zealand (Madman), Benelux (Cineart), France (Diaphana), and Germany and Austria (Arsenal).

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