Arclight Films has sold Roel Reine’s Admiral – set for a gala screening at the Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) – to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The Dutch historical epic, which topped the Netherlands’ box office when it was released in January under the title, has sold to the UK (Signature Entertainment), Germany (Lighthouse), Japan (Transformer), Turkey (Aqua Pinema), Vietnam (Galaxy) and the Middle East (Italia Films).

Set in the 17th Century, the film tells the story of Dutch naval hero Michiel de Ruyter and his battles against the English and other forces at a time when the Netherlands was on the verge of civil war.

The film stars Frank Lammers, Sanne Langelaar and Barry Atsma, along with Charles Dance and Rutger Hauer.

“It’s very exciting to be selected for a gala event at the Beijing International Film Festival and have the opportunity to bring Admiral to a larger audience,” said Reine.

“I wanted to create a world that would bring the audience back to and immerse them in the 17th century; the film’s visual inspiration is derived from the works of the Dutch master painters Rembrandt and Vermeer.”

Adventure On The High Seas In Teaser For Dutch Bio Pic MICHIEL DE RUYTER by Twitch Film

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Roel Reiné attacks Michiel de Ruyter

Officially set to be presented at the European Film Market in Berlin, the latest historical sea-faring epic from the Netherlands, after the enormous local success of Nova Zembla [+], will be a film about 17th-century naval hero Michiel de Ruyter.

The project will be directed by Roel Reiné (pictured), the Dutch director who, after the success of his English-language Dutch film The Delivery, moved to the U.S., where he’s directed films such as The Scorpion King: Battle for Redemption and Death Race 2.

Reiné is currently in production Stateside on Dead in Tombstone, a western starring Danny Trejo for Universal Pictures.

Michiel de Ruyter is one of the most famous names in Dutch naval history and was involved in all three Anglo-Dutch wars. He saved the newly founded Republic, which is being torn apart by internal strife between republicans and royalists, from an imminent attack by the British fleet by attacking them on their home ground, on the Thames, during the second Anglo-Dutch War.

The film is being developed by producer Klaas de Jong of Farmhouse Film & TV, who also produced Storm Bound, an adaptation of a popular sea-faring saga for children, and the historical ice-skating race film Hell of ‘63. He commented: “I am very honored to have Roel Reiné as director on board of our team. With his U.S. experience he is the right man for this spectacular film”.

The international production team also includes Michael Loumeau, Lars Boom, Hilda van der Meulen and Bernard Tulp. International sales will be handled by Mountain Road Entertainment.

The official launch in Berlin is scheduled for February 11 and will also a “mini action masterclass” by Reiné.