U.K. indie distrib Metrodome has snapped up all U.K. rights to Canuck helmer Kari Skogland’s thriller 50 Dead Men Walking from co-producer and sales agent Handmade Films Intl.

Pic is loosely based on Martin McGartland’s autobiography of the same name about his time as an informant inside the Irish Republican Army from 1987 to 1991, who was exposed, tortured and then escaped. He remains in hiding today.

Pic, which toplines Jim Sturgess as McGartland and also stars Ben Kingsley and Nathalie Press, world premiered at the Toronto Film Fest.

Deal was done between HandMade’s Guy Collins and Metrodome’s Peter Urie. Metrodome plans a spring 2009 release.

Pic has also sold to Australia (Village Roadshow), Scandinavia (Svenske), Germany and Austria (ARD Degeto), Spain (Festival Films), Russia (Paradise), Benelux (EFP), Greece (Odeon), Portugal (Lusomundo), Brazil (Imagem Filmes), Poland (Vision), Czech Republic/Slovakia (Intersonic), Hungary (Intersonic), former Yugoslavia (VTI), Romania (Odeon), Middle East (ECS), Turkey (Fida) and South Africa (Ster-KineKor).

TVA acquired Canadian distribution rights via Brighlights during production. HandMade is working with the William Morris Agency to close U.S. rights.

Source: Variety