Fortissimo pacts with Imagenation

LONDON -- Fortissimo Films has pacted with Abu Dhabi's $1 billion production arm, Imagenation, to exclusively sell international rights for the shingle's first slate of local and Arabic language pics being developed, financed and produced by the company. The multi-year, multi-picture sales agreement will commence with Imagenation's first two Emirati productions: Nawaf Al-Janahi's coming-of-age story "Sea Shadow" and Tobe Hooper's Arabian supernatural thriller "Djinn." Both pics have finished lensing in the UAE and are in post. Deal comes after Imagenation announced last month that it had inked an exclusive deal with Empire Intl. to distribute its Emirati slate to cinemas and on DVD throughout the Middle East and North Africa region. With their extensive industry knowledge, Fortissimo will not only be an important partner in the distribution of our films internationally, but also in the development of our future film projects," said Imagenation CEO Michael Garin, who took up the role in February. "They will provide us with real time data on our existing projects, while also helping us to determine the type of films we will develop going forward." Fortissimo topper Michael J. Werner added: "We are witnessing the creation of a new, unique and talented source for international cinema and we are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Imagenation Abu Dhabi." Since a series of exec reshuffles this year, which saw the departure of former CEO Ed Borgerding and chief operating officer Stefan Brunner, Imagenation has been keeping a low profile, which sources indicate is down to focusing on building up its local production biz. The company is still committed to its production and financing joint ventures with Hyde Park Ent., Participant Media and National Geographic Ent. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com