MADRID -- The wrangle between Miramax and Spain's Manga over the distribution of Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" in Spain rumbles on, following a Barcelona court's acceptance of Manga's civil law suit, lodged in February, for alleged breach of contract.
The court's acceptance, while not delivering a judgment on the strength of the case, means that Manga's suit will end up before a judge in Barcelona unless the pair settle out of court.
However, since Miramax does not have offices in Spain, several months could pass before Miramax receives Manga's suit in the U.S if it's channeled through the U.S. legal system.
That opens a large window for Miramax and Manga to chew over a settlement.
Manga alleges that it closed a distrib accord with Miramax in November to handle theatrical and video/DVD distribution in Spain for "Kill Bill Vol. 1" and "Kill Bill Vol. 2."
But Manga says Miramax subsequently pacted with Buena Vista Intl. for Spain -- after Manga had showcased "Kill Bill Vol.1" at the Sitges Catalonia Intl. Film Festival and began the pic's marketing campaign.
Miramax announced in late February that it had counter-sued Manga, claiming there was never an agreement for Manga to distribute the film and that the indie distribber was disrupting Miramax's exhibition plans for the movie in Spain.
"Kill Bill Vol. 1" was released by Buena Vista Intl. in Spain on March 5. Lionized by Spanish critics, pic has grossed $4.7 million in 17 days in Spain.
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