IFC Films has bought US distribution rights to Armando Iannucci's comedy farce In The Loop, set to get its world premiere here tonight [January 22], and will release on its IFC In Theaters platform later this year.

The film will also get channelled through IFC Entertainment's exclusive deal with Blockbuster. IFC's Arianna Bocco and Betsy Rodgers brokered the deal with Cassian Elwes of William Morris Independent and Ben Roberts of Protagonist Pictures on behalf of BBC Films, Aramid Capital and UK Film Council.

James Gandolfini, Peter Capaldi, Tom Hollander, Gina McKee, Mimi Kennedy, David Rasche, Chris Addison, Anna Chlumsky and Steve Coogan star in the tale of a British government minister whose naïve remarks during a television interview triggers the escalation of war. Kevin Loader and Adam Tandy produced the tale.

'We are going to celebrate tonight,' IFC president Jonathan Sehring said. 'In The Loop is one of those rare movies that you know is destined to be a classic. It's not often that you get to introduce such a major talent as Armando Iannucci to American audiences.

'This is a great climax to a fantastic time at Sundance,' Iannucci said. 'I was so excited by IFC's excitement for the film. I'm really pleased we've done the deal with them, and I can't wait to start working with them on the release of the film later this year.'

Meanwhile Spread starring Ashton Kutcher as an LA hustler has received at least six offers and is expected to close soon.

A deal is also in the works on Amreeka while screenings have been set in Los Angeles for The Cove and Toe To Toe, with deals expected within the coming weeks.

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