Toronto 2012: Pablo Trapero’s 'White Elephant' Poached by Strand Releasing for the U.S.

In what’s shaping up to be a busy morning for buyers and sellers closing deals at the Toronto International Film Festival, Strand Releasing has acquired all U.S. rights to Pablo Trapero’s “White Elephant.” The specialty distributor, which has partnered with Trapero on previous films “Lion’s Den” and “Carancho,” plans a spring release.

Ricardo Darin, Jeremie Renier and Martina Gusman star in the story of two priests trying to help the people in Buenos Aires shantytowns and slums amid rampant drug-war violence. “White Elephant” had its world premiere at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard sidebar, and it has its North American premiere Thursday in Toronto.

Strand’s Marcus Hu negotiated the deal with Carole Baraton of Wild Bunch.

Strand has recently released “Unforgivable,” “Oslo, August 31st” and “My Worst Nightmare.” Forthcoming titles include “Yossi” and “Paradise: Love,” which it acquired over the weekend.