X Filme Creative Pool, the production company behind German hit Run Lola Run, has launched a distribution label along with a new development slate that includes its first non-German production.

The new label - X Verleih - plans to release 4-8 films a year. Its first release will be the next feature from Lola director Tom Tykwer, The Princess And The Warrior, which Le Studio Canal Plus recently picked up for international sales. Former Senator Film executive Anatol Nitschke, Stefan Arndt and Manuela Stehr will jointly manage the label.

X Filme emphasised that the label will not be limited to its own productions. "Owning a distribution structure in Germany will enable close co-operation with like-minded partners in Europe and the rest of the world,' the company said in a statement. "We will be able to take on foreign-language films for exploitation in Germany, and, on the basis on mutual support, will be able to tap the international market for German productions more extensively than has been possible in the past.'

X Verleih has entered into a strategic partnership with Senator for theatrical releases in Germany under a deal which sees Senator handle cinema bookings as part of a service contract. Munich-based Wolfgang W. Werner Public Relations will handle marketing and press.

Meanwhile, X-Filme has also unveiled its 2000 production slate which includes its first non-German project, Enter The Void, to be shot in English by French filmmaker Gaspar Noe on location in Japan. X-Filme is also developing Nele & Captain, to be directed by Connie Walther from script by Natja Brunckhorst and Wolfgang Becker.