MiramaxFilms has acquired US rights to Denys Arcand's The Barbarian Invasions (LesInvasions Barbares), which won best actress and best screenplay awards atCannes yesterday (May 25).

TheFrench-language film is a sequel to Arcand's 1986 Decline Of The AmericanEmpire and centres on a man who spends the last days of his life making peacewith those around him.

Marie-JoseeCroze, one of the film's stars, picked up the best actress award. Arcand, whoalso wrote the script, collected the best screenplay honour. The film alsostars Louise Portal, Remy Girard and Stephane Rousseau.

TheBarbarian Invasions was produced by Denise Robert and Daniel Louis from Cinemaginaire, and co-produced byFabienne Vonier, from Pyramide. Miramax acquired the rights from Flach PyramideInternational (FPI).

"We are pleased to havebeen able to acquire such a wonderful film, which the entire acquisitions teamloved, from the renowned company FPI," Agnes Mentre, the company's executive vice president of acquisitions and co-productions, said in a statement.

"It is so rare to find amovie that balances emotion and comedy and also contains profound statementsabout the important subjects of our lives. Because of these elements, webelieve this film will be accessible to a wide audience."

Maeva Gatineau, UK basedvice president of acquisitions, and Mentre brought the film into Miramax.

Charles Layton,executive vice president, office of the co-chairman, and Mentre negotiated onbehalf of Miramax. Eric Lagesse negotiated on behalf of FPI.