Gaby Dellal's "On a Clear Day", from Sundance's World Dramatic Competition, has been acquired for North American distribution by Focus Features, the company announced today. The film, starring Peter Mullan, is the story of a laid-off middle-aged man who is hoping to swim the English Channel. It is the only British feature screening in the world competition this year.

Dellal directed the film from a screenplay by Alex Rose, it was produced by Sarah Curtis and Dorothy Berwin. Executive producers are Bill Allan, Steve Christian, Lenny Crooks, Emma Hayter, Nick Hill & Andy Mayson.

"Gaby is a very exciting new voice in filmmaking," said James Schamus and David Linde in a statement, "and she's crafted a beautiful film that is also a terrific and rousing crowd-pleaser."