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Lions Gate Films has secured all North American rights from The Works to Ken Loach's "Sweet Sixteen," one of the critical favorites and winner of the Best Screenplay Award at this year's Cannes International Film Festival, it was announced today by Tom Ortenberg, president of Lions Gate Films Releasing. The film will be released theatrically in spring 2003.

"Sweet Sixteen" follows the exploits of a Scottish teenager from a tough background who, determined to have a normal family life after his mother gets out of prison, sets out to raise the money for a home. Directed by Loach from a screenplay by Paul Laverty, the film stars newcomer Martin Compston, William Ruane, Annmarie Fulton and Michelle Abercromby, and was produced by Rebecca O'Brien.

"'Sweet Sixteen' is an exceptionally powerful and sensitive coming of age story from one of this generation's great filmmakers," said Ortenberg. "We are honored to be working once again with Ken Loach and screenwriter Paul Laverty, as well as the film's incredibly talented cast." Lions Gate teamed with Loach on the acclaimed film "Bread and Roses" in 2001.

"Ken and I are delighted to be working with Lions Gate again and are confident that 'Sweet Sixteen' will benefit from their experience and expertise," said producer Rebecca O'Brien.

"'Sweet Sixteen' is a film which requires the delicate handling of a company with strong marketing and distribution instincts. Lions Gate has demonstrated time and again that they have the ability to take a specialized film and bring it to large audiences with creativity, intelligence and flair. We feel passionate about Ken Loach's new film which was so well received in Cannes and are thrilled that our friends at Lions Gate share the same passion," said Aline Perry, CEO The Works.

SOURCE: Lions Gate Films