PalmPictures has acquired the North American rights to Rolf de Heer'sTen Canoes.

Thefilm, co-directed by Peter Djigirr, won the specialjury prize after premiering in Un Certain Regard in Cannes.

Ten Canoes, billed as the first moviein the Aboriginal language, was made in collaboration with the People of Ramingining. Richard Birrinbirrin,David Gulpilil and Jamie Gulpililstar in the story of a young warrior living in mythical times who covets one ofhis brother's wives.

Palm'shead of acquisitions David Koh negotiated the dealwith Carole Baraton of Wold Bunch.

"Thismovie is unlike anything I have seen and illuminates a remote, distant, andexotic world. We are proud to bring this film to audiences in North America," Kohsaid.

Palmplans a theatrical release later in 2006 followed by a DVD release.