Distributor Tartan Films has acquired UKand Irelandrights to The Lives OfThe Saints, directed by photographer and publisher Rankin and Chris Cottam.

The debut will have its world premiere in competitionat the 2006 Locarno International Film Festival next month.

The original screenplay is by Tony Grisoni,who previously wrote Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas and Brothers Of The Head.

Laura Hastings-Smith produced for Dazed Film & TVand Augusto Romano, managing director of Italian fashion company Meltin' Pot, served as executive producer.

The film stars David Leon, Emma Pierson, Bronson Webb,Daon Broni, Marc Warren andJames Cosmo. The Lives OfThe Saints is a magical thriller set in multi-cultural North London, where a crook's errand boy finds anabandoned child that has angelic characteristics.

"The Lives of the Saints is an exceptional debutfeature and we are excited to be working with Rankin and Chris and to bebringing this vibrant and distinctive film to British audiences," said Laura DeCasto, Tartan's managing director.

Tartan plans a release later this year.