The Wagner/Cuban Companies’ Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, announced that it has acquired U.S. rights to Ti West’s critically acclaimed horror film THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL. A terrifically crafted homage to 80s horror masterpieces, the film premiered at Tribeca earlier this year and is sure to be an instant classic among genre fans, expertly building a mood of mounting dread to a shockingly terrifying climax. Director West, who was recently tapped by Hollywood to direct a high profile sequel, THE HAUNTING IN GEORGIA, has been regarded as something of a horror wunderkind since 2005’s THE ROOST, and THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL unquestionably fulfills that promise.

The deal was negotiated by Magnolia’s Senior Vice President Tom Quinn with Josh Braun of Submarine and Roger Kass of RingTheJing Entertainment, on behalf of MPI Media Group, Glass Eye PIX, RingTheJing Entertainment and Constructovision.

THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL stars the sexy Jocelin Donahue stars as college student Samantha Hughes who takes a babysitting job in a remote mansion with her good friend Megan (indie favorite Greta Gerwig). She’s desperate for money and the pay is good, but something feels wrong, and Samantha quickly realizes that the girls are trapped. As a lunar eclipse darkens the night sky, she realizes that her employers—cult favorites Tom Noonan (MANHUNTER) and Mary Woronov (ROCK AND ROLL HIGH SCHOOL)—have something truly terrifying in store for them.

Maya Entertainment acquired U.S. theatrical and home entertainment rights to the Spanish-language comedy from Mexico , “Casi Divas.” The film is written and directed by Issa Lopez (“Ladies’ Night”, “Efectos Secundarios,” “Ninas Mal”) and scored by Academy Award®-winning composer Hans Zimmer. In Mexico , “Casi Divas,” produced by Columbia Pictures Producciones México, the local production arm of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), opened number one at the box office and was among the top 5 grossing films of 2008. Maya Entertainment will release the film theatrically in New York , Los Angeles , Miami and San Diego on August 21, 2009 with a national rollout to follow.

“Maya is excited to distribute Sony’s hugely entertaining film about the hopes and aspirations of women everywhere. This commercial and heartwarming film supports our mission to distribute great stories about the Latino experience,” said Tonantzin Esparza, Maya Entertainment’s Director of Acquisitions.

Deborah Schindler, President of Intern ational Motion Picture Production for Sony, stated: “’Casi Divas’ is the second hit feature from Columbia Pictures Produccions Mexico . It’s a testament to the genius of writer/director Issa Lopez that the film speaks a universal language and has found distribution outside Mexico in the U.S. market. Our very own Ignacio Darnaude, Sony’s Intern ational EVP of Creative Advertising, came up with the original idea and treatment and it’s a truly wonderful collaboration.”

“Casi Divas,” which translated means “Almost Divas,” is the story of four ambitious and beautiful young women from four very different corners of Mexico , who get caught up in the frenzy that sweeps the country during a nationwide talent search for a lead role in a movie. Behind the scenes, the show’s powerful producer clashes with his on-again, off-again lover, who happens to be Mexico ’s biggest actress and expects to land the part.

Film Opens Theatrically on August 21, 2009