We’ve got a couple of acquisition stories to report today. First up, Dimension has picked up U.S. distribution rights to the thriller Penthouse North. Directed by Joseph Ruben (Sleeping with the Enemy), the film stars Michelle Monaghan as a photojournalist blinded in Iraq who becomes entangled in a sadistic criminal’s (Michael Keaton) search for a missing fortune. The script was written by David Loughery (Lakeview Terrace), who will also produced alongside Jeff Sackman and Michael Baker. Production begins in Ottawa on December 7th.Additionally, Tribeca Film has acquired the U.S. rights to the French thriller Sleepless Night. The film debuted to a wildly positive reception as part of the “Midnight Madness” portion of the Toronto Film Festival.  Matt caught the pic and loved it, and now Tribeca Film will release the film VOD and theatrically stateside in 2012. The story centers on an undercover cop trying to get his kidnapped son back from a drug-dealing nightclub owner. An English-language remake is already in the works at Warner Bros. You can watch the trailer for the French film here. Hit the jump to read the press releases concerning Penthouse North and Sleeplees Night.Here’s the press release for Penthouse North:

New York, NY, November 4, 2011 - Dimension Films announced that it has acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film PENTHOUSE NORTH from director Joseph Ruben (SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY, THE FORGOTTEN, RETURN TO PARADISE).  The thriller stars Michael Keaton (THE OTHER GUYS) and Michelle Monaghan (SOURCE CODE, MACHINE GUN PREACHER).  The announcement was made today by Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company.

Sara Taylor (Monaghan), a photojournalist blinded in Iraq, is forced to play a deadly game of cat and mouse with the sadistic criminal Hollander (Keaton) – a man who will stop at nothing to get a fortune of stolen diamonds hidden in Sara’s penthouse apartment.  Although Sara claims to not know where the diamonds are, Hollander utilizes psychological and physical torture in an effort to break Sara’s resistance.  But Sara fights back.   As the suspense builds to a shattering climax, Sara gains the advantage.  But will it be enough to save her?

Jeff Sackman and Michael Baker are producing the film along with Ruben.  Also producing is  screenwriter David Loughery (OBSESSED, LAKEVIEW TERRACE).  Jon Shiffman joins as executive producer.

“I am excited to be working with Joe Ruben and am a big fan of his previous work,” said Bob Weinstein.  “I couldn’t be happier to join forces with the talented Keaton and Monaghan on this chilling thriller.”

“I am delighted to be in business with Bob Weinstein and his team at Dimension Films,” said Sackman.  “I am looking forward to this exciting collaboration.”

The deal was negotiated for Dimension Films by Andrew Kramer, President of Business and Legal Affairs and Michal Steinberg, SVP, Business/Legal Affairs and Acquisitions; International Creative Management; and Jeff Sackman. International Creative Management helped package the film and co-represented US rights.  Keaton is represented by International Creative Management and Ziffren Brittenham.  Monaghan is represented by International Creative Management, D/F Management, and Sloane Offer Weber and Dern.  Loughery is represented by International Creative Management and Graup Entertainment.

PENTHOUSE NORTH begins production in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on December 7th.

Here’s the press release for Sleepless Night:

New York, NY – November 4, 2011 – Tribeca Film announced today that it has acquired all US rights to Sleepless Night, a gripping action thriller which had its World Premiere in the Midnight Madness section of the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. The film, directed by Frédéric Jardin, will be released in 2012 on VOD and theatrically by Tribeca Film, which is supported by Founding Partner American Express and brings films to consumers across a range of platforms, including nationwide VOD, theatrical, DVD, pay-TV and digital. Warner Bros. recently announced it has acquired English-language remake rights.

Sleepless Night tells the story of Vincent, a respected and dedicated police officer, or so it seems. After stealing a massive bag of cocaine from drug dealers that work for Marciano, a powerful mob boss/nightclub owner, Vincent quickly finds himself trapped in a situation that no parent would envy- his son has been kidnapped with the promise of being executed if he doesn’t immediately deliver the bag back to its rightful owner. As Vincent heads to the nightclub in the outskirts of Paris to trade the drugs for his son, he soon gets caught in an intense, claustrophobic cat-and-mouse game that quickly spirals into madness as the tables are constantly turned multiple times throughout the evening.  The night to come might not only be the longest but also the last one of his life... and his young son’s as well.

Tomer Sisley (The Burma Conspiracy, Toi et Moi) stars as Vincent. The cast also includes Joey Starr (Polisse, Authentiques), Julien Boisselier (Gardiens de  l’ordre , Hendri 4), Serge Riaboukine (Anglel A, Look at Me), Laurent Stocker (Cyprien, Hunting and Gathering) and Birol Ünel (Soul Kitchen, Head-On). Sleepless Night is written by Frédéric Jardin, Nicolas Saada, and Olivier Douyère, and produced by Marco Cherqui and Lauranne Bourrachot, who also produced the Academy Award®-nominated A Prophet (Un prophète).

“I am thrilled and honored to work with Tribeca for the North American release of Sleepless Night,” Jardin said. “It’s a superb opportunity for my film.”

“Sleepless Night is a thriller that is executed with such style and panache that it transcends the limits of the genre. The pace is exhilarating and the action is nonstop in this ingeniously plotted and thoroughly entertaining adventure,” said Geoffrey Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises. “We’re delighted to be collaborating with the filmmakers to bring this film to wider audiences.”

The North American distribution deal was negotiated by Nick Savva for Tribeca Film, and Gilles Sousa and Mathieu Robinet on behalf of Bac Films, which is handling international sales. Bac Films will release the film in France. It has already closed deals for major territories, including UK (Icon), Germany (Tiberius), Canada (E1), Russia (Luxor), Brazil (California), China (Domo Media) and Benelux (U-Media). Further sales will be announced during the ongoing American Film Market.