Strand knows Miller's 'Secret'

Distributor picks up U.S. rights to dark drama

By JOHN HOPEWELL, WINTER MILLER

Strand Releasing has picked up U.S. rights to Claude Miller's "Un secret."

Sold by UGC Intl., one of France's foremost sales companies, "Secret" screened to SRO auds at the New York Rendez-Vous with French Cinema.

Produced by Yves Marmion for UGC, and written as well as directed by Miller, "Secret" is a dark drama turning on a lonely 15-year-old son's shocking discovery of a family secret.

Pic stars Ludivine Sagnier, Cecile de France, Patrick Bruel and Julie Depardieu, who won a supporting actress Cesar last month for her performance in the film.

"Secret" is UGC's second recently announced Stateside sale: Sony Classics has picked up the U.S. rights on Berlin competition hit "I've Loved You So Long," toplining Kristin Scott Thomas.