Vertical Acquires US Rights to SXSW Thriller “Deadland”

EXCLUSIVE: Vertical has acquired US rights Dead countrya thriller directed by Roberto Urbina (TNT). Snow Piercer), which had its world premiere at SXSW 2023. The film is Lance Larson’s directorial debut and is expected to hit theaters on November 3rd.

Urbina stars as American border guard Angel Waters, who stumbles upon an illegal border crossing during a routine illegal crossing, but soon finds himself in his worst nightmare. In a tragic twist of fate, a detained immigrant is killed while being detained at a remote border crossing. Days later, Angel is called back to the river, where he witnesses a horrible sight: the same migrant who died while standing on the river bank. As strange phenomena begin to overtake his life, he soon realizes that what dies in this land does not always stay dead.

McCaul Lombardi (American honey), Julieth Restrepo (Dear Pablo), Julio Cesar Cedillo (Sicario), Luis Chavez (Kill for a dollar), Chris Mulkey (Based on sex), Kendal Rae (2 flat bag girls) and Manuel Uriza (Rambo: Last Blood).

The film is directed by Bob Bastarache, Jas Shelton of Odd Man Out Films, Elizabeth Avellan of EYA Productions (Once upon a time in Mexico), Tara Pirnia, Chris Wilks, Marsha Ann Larson and Norah Veloz. Executive producers include Fred Baker, Chuck Larson, John Shoemaker and Eric Larson.

Commenting on the acquisition, Larson said, “Vertical is the perfect home for this Dead country. Her films skilfully straddle the line between entertainment, art and commerce. We are excited to join forces.”

Tony Piantedosi, Vertical SVP Acquisitions, added, “We are excited to once again partner with Visit Films to bring this film to audiences.” We were immediately captivated by the story’s haunting premise and the cast delivers heart-wrenching performances that draw you into the thrilling nightmare. which unfolds.”

The deal was negotiated by Ryan Kampe of Visit Films and Piantedosi of Vertical.