Florian Henckel von Donnsermarck is planning a private preview in London of his multiple award-winning debut feature The Lives Of Othersfor Richard Attenborough.

"We're going to hold aspecial screening in England before the film premieres because I know that hedoesn't really like to go to premieres," von Donnersmarksaid.

The young German directormet Attenborough when he was studying at Oxford University, where Attenborough was a guest lecturer. After winning an essaycompetition, he was given a job as an intern on Attenborough's 1996 feature, Love And War. Hecredits Attenborough as one of his most important mentors.

It has now been confirmedthat Lionsgate will be releasing The Lives Of Others in the UK. This follows on from other eye-catching dealsclosed by sales agent Beta Cinema, including one to Sony Pictures Classics forthe US.

The Lives Of Others is a thriller set in East Germany during the Stasi era.Warmly received at a screening in Locarno's Piazza Grande this weekend, it has proved a criticaland box-office phenomenon in Germany. It won seven Lola Awards, including best film, bestdirector and best screenplay. Released domestically by Buena Vista Germany, the film has also now racked up 1.4m admissions.

Meanwhile, Attenborough is currentlyin post-production on his new feature, ClosingThe Ring.