EXCLUSIVE: UK distributor plans an early 2013 release for Cate Shortland’s Locarno Audience Award winning-drama.

Artificial Eye has acquired Cate Shortland’s WWII drama Lore from Memento Films.

The well-received drama, about five children on a hazardous journey across war-torn Germany, was recently selected as Australia’s Foreign Language Oscar entry.

The film has played well on the festival circuit, winning the Audience Award in Locarno and garnering praise after its Toronto special presentation screening. The film will get its UK premiere when it plays in official competition at the BFI London Film Festival in October.

Louisa Dent, MD of Curzon Artificial Eye, told Screen: “Cate Shortland has created a beautiful and powerful cinematic experience with Lore, one that we are proud to be releasing. With the UK premiere at the London Film Festival and our release in early 2013, we are looking forwards to bringing this extraordinary film to audiences.”

Producer Paul Welsh added: “It’s a great testament to Cate’s directing prowess and everyone else involved that Lore delivers such a powerful experience. Artificial Eye has been a great supporter of the film, and for me, their catalogue is second to none.”

Lore is Shortland’s first feature film since her acclaimed 2004 debut Somersault.