“Agora” Gets 2010 U.S. Release

Alejandro Amenabar’s “Agora” has finally been acquired for U.S. distribution through Newmarket Films says Screen Daily.

The English-language ancient epic tells the story of religious conflict in Roman-governed Alexandria as the Christian and pagans battle, often violently, for religious and intellectual supremacy.

The period story centers on he enlightened thinker Hypatia (Rachel Weisz) as well as both her philosophical and romantic conflicts. Max Minghella and Oscar Isaac also star.

A longer cut of the film premiered at Cannes, but reviews proved mixed due to the dense subject matter and buyers were cautious, especially American buyers as historical dramas don’t often play anywhere near as well domestically as they do globally.

The film opened in Spain through Fox International in October and scored a major $30 million cume for the country, beating many Hollywood blockbusters. Newmarket plans a North American release in the first half of 2010.