Paris-based sales outfit Onoma Films has closed a US deal for sports drama White Palms.

Strand Releasing acquired the film for North America as the AFM came to a close.

White Palms, Hungary's entry for best foreign film Oscar consideration, is directed by Szabolcs Hadju and set in the world of gymnastics. The deal was negotiated by Onoma's Fabien Westerhoff and Strand's Jon Gerrans.

Screening at the AFI festival in LA this week, the film had its world premiere in Directors' Fortnight earlier this year and took five film awards in Hungary including best director, cinematographer, producer, editing as well as being voted best film by foreign critics.

South Korea's Line Tree Entertainment also picked up the film at the AFM and Epicentre Films will release it in France in early 2007.