Lionsgate, Roadside to release 'Terra'

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Roadside Attractions Friday announced that it, along with Lionsgate, has acquired the U.S. rights to the 3D animated feature film, "Battle for Terra."

Featuring the voice talents of Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson, Justin Long, Amanda Peet, Chris Evans, Dennis Quaid and Brian Cox, the Snoot Entertainment movie is set to open in U.S. theaters May 1.

The film marks the feature directorial debut of acclaimed short filmmaker Aristomenis Tsirbas. It is the first in a series of animated features produced by Snoot.

"We at Roadside could not be more excited to be releasing 'Battle for Terra,'" Roadside Attractions Co-President Eric d'Arbeloff said in a statement. "Not only is it a thrilling piece of entertainment for younger audiences, its themes of tolerance and environmental awareness will resonate with viewers of all ages. Anyone interested in 3D animation and digital artistry will be stunned."

"'Battle for Terra' turns sci-fi convention on its head by telling its story from the perspective of the aliens whose planet is invaded by humans fleeing a dying Earth. The film made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and has since thrilled festival audiences worldwide," Roadside said in a news release. "The film has been honored for its environmental awareness themes and stunning animation with the Silver Griffin Award at the 2008 Giffoni Film Festival; the Grand Prize for Best Animated Feature at the 2008 Ottawa International Animation Festival; and the Crystal Heart Award at the 2008 Heartland Film Festival."