Strand Consummates Rights to "Sex"

U.S. rights to Sarah Watt's "My Year Without Sex" have been acquired by Strand Releasing from The Works International at the American Film Market (AFM), the company unveiled Monday. The LA-based distributor's Jon Gerrans negotiated the deal with Joy Wong of The Works, and Strand plans a Spring 2010 release.

Starring Sacha Horler ("Praise") and Matt Day ("Muriel's Wedding"), the film centers on a couple, Ross and Natalie, who are forced to abstain from sex because the latter has a medical condition that prevents her from becoming overexcited. But through friends, family and insecurities, the pair find a "comic relief" from each other and ultimately a new understanding of their love."

"Strand has had a long relationship with The Works International and its previous incarnation, The Sales Company and have worked on many projects, we look forward to continuing this relationship," said Gerrans in a statement. "This is the kind of love story between family and friends and hopefully a little bit funny," added Watt.

The film is the second feature to be written and directed by Watt, her previous feature, "Look Both Ways" was a critical success upon its release in the US and screened at New Directors/New Films in New York. The Australian film was produced by Bridget Ikin, who produced "Look" as well as Jane Campion's "An Angel at My Table" and Alison Maclean's "Crush," which Strand also released.