Northern Ireland film gets US release

11 May 2009 -

Northern Ireland-based film Five Minutes Of Heaven has secured a US release.

The film, helmed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, tells the story of a quest for reconciliation between two men who fought on opposite sides during the Troubles and stars two of Northern Ireland's biggest screen names Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt.

IFC Films has acquired the rights to the movie and has set an August release date.

The picture had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival where it earned Guy Hibbert the World Cinema Screenwriting Award and Hirschbiegel the World Cinema Director Award.

IFC Entertainment president Jonathan Sehring described the film as an "extremely smart and deeply moving drama".

Last week, Liam Neeson was presented with an honorary degree by Queen's University.

The actor received a doctorate of the university for his outstanding contribution and service to the arts at an event held at the residence of Her Majesty's Consul-General in New York.