Exclusive footage of Egremont's acting twins' new film has been on show at Cannes Film Festival.

The White King, starring Matthew and Jeffrey Postlethwaite, has been introduced to buyers at the festival, which runs until Sunday, after Fortissimo films acquired the global sales rights.

The international company has announced it has sold UK and Ireland rights to Signature Entertainment, one of the leading names in independent UK film distribution.

Jeffrey said: "We are both working on a pilot at the moment - Spy Twin - so we can't leave Los Angeles right now. I can't wait to see the final film, we have already seen some of it and it really is incredible.

"We are immensely proud of what the husband and wife directors have managed to achieve. It is going to be an amazing film."

Directed by Alex Helfrecht and Jörg Tittel, The White King, which stars Agyness Deyn, is based on an award-winning Hungarian novel by György Dragomán.

It follows a 12-year-old boy coming to terms with his father's imprisonment by a totalitarian state.

"The film was shot in Budapest over one month. Our immediate family flew out to see what we actually get up to on set," said Jeffrey.

"It's safe to say their eyes were opened to the reality of filming, it is incredibly hard work but we love it! You get to play a character that society says you can't."

Matthew said: "It's really dark. In everyday life I like to think we are nice guys compared to the role we were playing. 

"But it is about exploring a side to you which you don't normally explore. You do have it but you hold it back and it is really fun to be allowed, and paid, to do it."

This year's Cannes festival was opened by Woody Allen's film Café Society and has been visited by a number of stars, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Gosling and Julia Roberts.