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Film News: Studio to distrib in Russia for indie — Universal Pictures Intl. (Russia) has signed a distribution deal for Russia and former Soviet territories with leading indie production shingle Leopolis.

Film News: ‘The Illusionist’ kicks off heavy Brit pic lineup — New and rediscovered British cinema, a 3D animated extravaganza plus a couple of Scottish movie icons will take pride of place at this year’s Edinburgh Intl. Film Festival, which runs June 16-27.

Film News: Leigh, Campion, Madden join Story Works — Mike Leigh, Jane Campion and John Madden have signed up to lead masterclasses for the newly established screenwriters’ initiative The Story Works at this year’s Edinburgh Intl. Film Festival.

Film News: Intl. Film Circuit to distribute Sundance prize winner — Intl. Film Circuit has picked up docu “Enemies of the People” for theatrical release this summer.

Film News: Rajkumar Hirani’s film wins 16 awards — Helmer Rajkumar Hirani’s “3 Idiots,” the highest Bollywood grosser of all time, swept the board at the Intl. Indian Film Academy Awards, winning most of the major categories including film and director.

Film News: Attendance up 10% at animation festival — Two key upcoming stereoscopic 3D movies — Universal’s “Despicable Me” and “Sammy’s Adventures” from Euro S3D pioneer Ben Stassen — will play for the first time to audiences at next week’s 50th Annecy Intl. Animation Film Festival.

Film News: Graham King to receive Variety prize — The 64th Edinburgh Intl. Film Festival will present 22 world premieres, along with special events featuring its patrons Sean Connery and Tilda Swinton.

Film News: Distrib on a record-setting pace at overseas B.O. — Warner Bros. Intl. has surpassed $1 billion in overseas grosses for 2010, a record-setting pace for the distrib.

Film News: Uncontested win for three-year term as president —
Steven Poster’s been re-elected to a three-year term as president of the Intl. Cinematographers Guild after running unopposed.

Film News: Shetty, Bakshi, Subramaniam get new duties — Swati Shetty has been promoted to executive director Walt Disney Studios Intl. Production (India), theatrical productions and acquisitions.