IFC Films hooks"FISH TANK" as company acquires US distribution rights to Andrea Arnold's acclaimed coming-of-age drama

New York (NY) (August 13, 2009) - IFC Films, one of the leading American distributors of independent and foreign films, announced today it has acquired U.S. rights to FISH TANK, a critically-acclaimed coming-of-age drama. Written and directed by Andrea Arnold, the film is her follow up to her debut feature RED ROAD and her Academy-Award (r) winning short film WASP. FISH TANK had its world premiere in competition at Cannes, receiving a special Jury Prize (which it shared with Chan-Wook Park's Thirst). The film stars British newcomer Kate Jarvis in a tour-de-force performance. Jarvis appears in every scene of the film and was hailed by critics as the acting discovery of the 2009 festival. Starring opposite Jarvis is Michael Fassbender, following his acclaimed performance in HUNGER. Fassbender will also be seen in this summer's INGLORIOUS BASTERDS. Also starring in FISH TANK is the BAFTA-nominated Kierston Wareing (IT'S A FREE WORLD), Harry Treadaway (BROTHERS OF THE HEAD), and 12-year old Rebecca Griffiths, making her feature film debut. FISH TANK is a BBC Films, UK Film Council presentation in association with Limelight and was produced by Kees Kasander, Nick Laws and executive produced by Paul Trijbits, Christine Langan and David M. Thompson.

Other accolades the film has received on the festival circuit include the PPG Award for Best Performance for Kate Jarvis at the 2009 Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Golden Propeller and FIPRESCI International critic's Awards at the Motovun Film Festival. FISH TANK was also shown at the Melbourne Film Festival, Munich Film Festival and the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

The deal for FISH TANK was negotiated by Arianna Bocco, VP of Acquisitions for IFC Films, with United Talent Agency and Jamie Carmichael of ContentFilm International. Andrea Arnold is represented by Matthew Bates at Sayle Screen Ltd. in the U.K. and Gersh in the U.S.

FISH TANK is the story of Mia (Katie Jarvis) a volatile 15-year-old who has become excluded from school and ostracized by her friends. One hot summer's day her mother (Kiertson Wareing) brings home a mysterious stranger called Connor (Michael Fassbender) who promises to change everything and bring love into all their lives. Touching on the themes of Arnold's Academy Award winning short WASP, FISH TANK is an original and unique modern tale of our times.

Jonathan Sehring, President of IFC Entertainment said, "We couldn't be happier to be working with Andrea Arnold on one of the great discoveries of this year's Cannes Film Festival. FISH TANK is one of the most observant and beautifully executed coming of age stories we've seen in years and Katie Jarvis is a revelation in the lead role. This is the perfect film for all of our platforms."

Director Andrea Arnold said: "I am happy that Fish Tank has found a good American home with IFC and I am really looking forward to working with them."

IFC Films is releasing Fish Tank via its IFC in Theaters platform which brings critically-acclaimed independent movies to on demand viewers at home the same day they premiere in theaters.