Munich-based Telepool will handle international distribution on Wolfgang Panzer's adaptation of Thomas Hürlimann's 1998 bestselling novel Der Grosse Kater.

The film, currently shooting at locations in Berne and Bavaria, is a co-production between Neue Bioskop Film, Abrakadabra Films and Barry Films. It received backing from several sources including: Zurich's Film Foundation; the Federal Office for Culture (BAK) in Berne; Germany's FFF Bayern; HessenInvest; the new German spend incentive scheme DFFF; and Eurimages.

In Der Grosse Kater, Thomas Hürlimann juxtaposes the political work of a Federal President with the private tragedy of a dying son (Hürlimann's brother in real life).

'It is a Swiss story but, at the same time, a local story for global markets,' Neue Bioskop Film's Dietmar Güntsche told Screendaily.com. 'The plot is very emotional, has great drama, and is a political thriller and a love story.' Guentsche explained, adding that 'the film has lots of potential to appeal to different audiences.'

Der Grosse Kater is the first production by Munich-based Neue Bioskop Film under Güntsche. He, and his new producing partner Wolfgang Behr, took the company over from Eberhard Junkersdorf at the beginning of last year.

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