'Juan in the Dead' stumbles to U.K., Japan

'Juan in the Dead' offers U.K., Japan sales.BUENOS AIRES -- Metrodome has already established U.K. rights and Fine Films has nabbed Japanese rights to Alejandro Brugues' "Juan in the Dead," Cuba's first zombie comedy.Alfredo Calvino's Latinofusion, "Dead's" telemarketer, offered the film to Germany's Panda Storm and Russia's Cinema Prestige straight off its Toronto world preem.Calvino may also be settling France, Mexico, South usa and Colombia, he mentioned.John Sloss and Bart Walker's Cinetic Media boarded "Dead" at Toronto to repetition a U . s . States purchase, that's now in advanced discussions, Calvino added.The splatstick fiesta has Alexis Diaz p Villegas just like a 40-year-old slacker who, each time a zombie outbreak infests Cuba, tries to turn some payday slaying families' undead relatives."Dead" segued from Toronto for the Austin, Chicago, Rio, Scar del Plata, Stockholm and Leeds fests, nabbing Leeds' Fanomenon Audience Award.The pic makes its Latin American bow within the Havana Film Festival this month.Despite its barbs, Brugues' demands "Dead" can be a "fun" comedy, not serious political allegory. But Cubans will ultimately obtain own cadaver shamblefest."We expect an enormous Cuban crowd, all thirsting for blood stream," Calvino excited.Latinofusion has furthermore acquired "Expiration Date," from Mexico's Kenya Marquez. A non-linear dark comedy/mystery overflowing with the acting talents of lead Damian Alcazar, "Date," was one of the standout hits while using public at Mexico's Morelia Fest. The first sort Guadalajara fest director's helming debut won its audience prize, together with a jury special mention.James Youthful brought with this article. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com