Samuel Goldwyn Films haspicked up North American rights to Ziad Doueiri's story of sexual awakening LilaSays (Lila Dit Ca).

Doueiri's follow-up to WestBeirut stars newcomers Vahina Giacante, Mohammed Khouas and Karim Benhadou andrecently premiered at Toronto.

The story centres on anattractive blonde who moves into a predominantly Arab neighbourhood and sets inmotion a game of teenage sexual discovery.

"Lila (Vahina Giacante) isbeautiful and her performance is mesmerizing," Meyer Gottlieb, president ofSamuel Goldwyn Films, said in a statement.

"It is one of thesexiest pictures I've ever seen, but what won me over was the film's heart andsoul."

The deal was negotiated byPeter Goldwyn, director of acquisitions at Samuel Goldwyn Films, and EricLagesse for Pyramide International. The film will be released in summer 2005.

Goldwyn's upcoming releasesinclude Angela Robinson's action comedy D.E.B.S., Eytan Fox's political thriller Walk On Water, and John Irvin's comedy The Boys & Girl FromCounty Clare.