Number 9 Films has signed a distribution deal for its films in Japan with Japanese studio Shochiku

Number 9 Films was co-founded by Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen and  has produced a series of well received titles, Many focusing on strong female leads. Woolley and Karlsen received this year’s special BAFTA for outstanding British contribution to British cinema.

Recent projects include: Todd Haynes’ Oscar nominated “Carol,” with Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara

“Byzantium,” with Gemma Arterton and Saoirse Ronan; and last year’s “On Chesil Beach,” also starring Ronan, and “Colette,” starring Keira Knightley.

Shochiku will contribute to the production company’s overhead as well as development funding.