Strand Releasinghas picked up all US rights from Bavaria Film International to Fatih Akin's CrossingThe Bridge.

The picture,which premiered in official selection at Cannes this year, portrays the musicscene in Istanbul, which Akin has long regarded as his second home.

CorazonInternational, the production company founded by Akin, Andreas Thiel and KlausMaeck, produced with Intervista Digital Media.

The deal wasnegotiated on the eve of AFM between Strand Releasing co-president Jon Gerransand Bavaria Film International chief Thorsten Schaumann.

"This is a vibrant documentary about a music scenethat US audiences have not had much exposure to, and we're proud to collaboratewith both Akin and Bavaria once again," co-presidents Gerrans and MarcusHu said.

Strand releasedAkin's previous title Head-On. Upcoming releases include Francois Ozon's Time To Leave and Dominik Moll's Lemming, and the company opens Scott Coffey's EllieParker starring NaomiWatts this weekend.