Bob Berney and Bill Polhad's new, yet-to-be-named U.S. distribution outfit has acquired all U.S. rights to director Jane Campion's Bright Star, according to Variety.

Set in the early 19th century, Bright Star is based on the true story of the passionate but ill-fated love affair between English Romantic poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne. While the relationship inspired some of Keats' greatest poetry, the affair was condemned by English society.

Bright Star, which was also scripted by Campion (The Piano), will be released by Pathe in France on July 22 and in the U.K. by Warner Bros., with whom Pathe inked a strategic distribution deal in March.

"'Bright Star' is a tour-de-force from Jane Campion," said Berney. "She has created a film that's classic yet uniquely modern. The film captures the love and unbridled passion between Keats and Fanny in a way that transcends period and will connect with young audiences today."