Sony Pictures Classics has acquired U.S. rights to Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado's documentary The Salt of the Earth.

The film centers the life of Brazilian photojournalist Sebastião Salgado and is told through the eyes of his son and co-director Wim Wenders. He is best known for his social documentary photography of workers in less developed nations. The project won the Un Certain Regard's Special Prize Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Partners Michael Barker and Tom Bernard expressed their excitement about the acquisition.

"Sony Pictures Classics is overjoyed to be back in business with the master, Wim Wenders, and to discover the work of Juliano Ribeiro Salgado."

Juliano Ribeiro Salgado said.

"Sony Pictures Classics has the legacy of releasing some of the most compelling films of our times. I'm very excited for The Salt of the Earth it couldn't have found a better home in the US."

Wim Wenders added.

"I'm very happy that my long-lasting relation with Sony Pictures Classics can continue now with The Salt of the Earth."

The project marks the 10th film Sony Pictures Classics has been associated with during the festival, including Bennett Miller's documentary Foxcatcher, Mike Leigh's biographical drama Mr. Turner and Lucien Castaing-Taylor's Leviathan.