Rome-based sales agent Rai Trade has closed a host of sales on current Italian box office hit Caterina Goes To Town (Caterina Va in Citta).

Sales chief Sesto Cifola has sold the comedy to France's Pretty Pictures and Cinemien who picked up the film for Benelux. Additional sales have been sealed with Australia's Palace Films, with which Rai Trade has a long-standing relationship, and Speedwell who acquired all distribution rights for Argentina and pay-TV rights for Latin America.

Directed by Paolo Virzi, Caterina Goes To Town stars Sergio Castellitto,Margherita Buy (Ignorant Fairies) and newcomer Alice Teghil in the tale of a 13-year-old whose family moves from the provinces to Rome.

The comedy, which is produced by Rome powerhouse Cattleya and Rai Cinema, has become one of this year's biggest local hits.

To date, it has grossed a huge Euros 4.1m for 01 Distribution six weeks into its release.