Toronto-based distribution start-up D Films has acquired all Canadian rights on Max Manus, a WWII-themed epic that is Norway’s submission for best foreign-language film at the Academy Awards. Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, the film was the Scandinavian nation’s highest-grossing local production in three decades. It has sold to 30 territories, including the U.K., France, Germany, Australia and Japan.

The story follows the real-life exploits of Manus (Aksel Hennie), a Norwegian resistance leader under Nazi occupation who trained as a saboteur in Scotland before returning to exact revenge on the German invaders. The screenplay was adapted by Thomas Nordseth-Tiller from Manus’ autobiographical books. The directing team’s previous film was the Luc Besson-produced Bandidas (2006), starring Penélope Cruz and Salma Hayek.

The deal was negotiated by D Films president Jim Sherry and VP of acquisitions Tony Cianciotta across the table from Susan Wendt, head of sales at Danish sales company TrustNordisk.

In a statement, Cianciotta described Max Manus as ‘a compelling film from start to finish,’ adding ‘it’s an important World War II story that we’re proud to share with Canadian audiences.’