MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights as well as distribution rights in a significant number of foreign territories, including all English speaking territories, to the Peter Jackson produced sci-fi motion picture District 9 from QED International.

Academy Award winner Peter Jackson is producing District 9 through his WingNut Films production banner. QED International, the Los Angeles based production, financing and international sales company, is fully financing the film. Jackson‘s manager Ken Kamins of Key Creatives is serving as executive producer along with Bill Block.

Neill Blomkamp makes his feature film directing debut with District 9, which he co-wrote with partner Terri Tatchell. The film is scheduled to begin shooting in spring 2008 in South Africa. Details of the film’s plot are being tightly guarded while pre-production is underway.

QED International CEO Bill Block said, “Amy Pascal, Michael Lynton and Jeff Blake and the entire team at Sony really understand this film and we couldn’t be more excited to be in business with them. They are completely committed to the unique vision Neill and Peter have for District 9.”

“We have seen some of Neil’s enormously creative work launching Halo 3 and he is a true talent who understands how to use visual effects in full service of the story. With Peter Jackson and his team at WETA workshop working with Neil, we believe District 9 can be a true event tentpole on our release slate,” said Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairman Amy Pascal.