40 films purchased at Toronto Film Fest

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TORONTO, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Distributors bought nearly 40 films at the Toronto International Film Festival, event officials said.

"We're pleased that the festival continues to provide opportunities for buyers to see films in a strong environment which facilitates film sales," Justin Cutler, senior manager of TIFF's sales and industry office, said in the announcement Saturday. "It had been a particularly robust year for sales and we're happy that the festival's official selection will reach film lovers across the world."

Twenty-nine of the films were bought by U.S. distributors, Variety reported.

The biggest deal was made by Focus Features, which bought distribution rights for the cop thriller "The Place Beyond the Pines" for an estimated $3 million.

Lionsgate and its partner Roadside Attractions were the biggest buyers, picking up rights to the historical drama "Emperor," Sarah Polley's documentary "Stories We Tell," Joss Whedon's "Much Ado About Nothing," Stuart Blumberg's "Thanks for Sharing," and Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman's "Imogene," Variety reported.

Of the still unsold titles, the most notable are Terrence Malick's "To the Wonder," Rola Nashef's "Detroit Unleaded," Deepa Mehta's "Midnight's Children" and Sally Potter's "Ginger & Rosa."