Mostly Martha, the German-language film currently on more than $3m at the North American box office, has secured a UK release through independent distributor Optimum Releasing.

Optimum picked up UK rights from Paramount Classics, which is releasing the film in North America. Directed by Sandra Nettelbeck, the story of a celebrated but obsessive chef and her carefree Italian colleague is a strong contender for Germany's Foreign Language Oscar nomination.

Also new to Optimum's slate is Sundance title Personal Velocity, starring Parker Posey, Kyra Sedgewick and Fairuza Balk. The film will premiere in the UK at next month's London Film Festival.

Additionally, Optimum is to release Nowhere In Africa, also under consideration as Germany's Foreign Language Oscar nomination. Sold by Bavaria Film International, the film charts the story of a German-Jewish family sheltering in Africa on the eve of WW2.