Vertical Takes U.S. Rights To SXSW Thriller ‘Deadland’

EXCLUSIVE: Vertical has picked up U.S. rights to Deadland, a thriller led by Roberto Urbina (TNT’s Snowpiercer), which world premiered at SXSW 2023. Marking the directorial debut of Lance Larson, the film is slated for a day-and-date release on November 3rd.

Urbina stars as U.S. Border agent Angel Waters, who comes across what would normally be a routine illegal crossing, but quickly spirals into his worst nightmare. In a tragic twist of fate, a detained immigrant is killed while being held at a remote border outpost. Days later, Angel is called back to the river where he is met with a terrifying sight — the same migrant that died is standing at the river’s edge. As strange phenomena begin to overtake his life, he soon learns that on this land, that which dies doesn’t always stay dead.

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Starring alongside Urbina are McCaul Lombardi (American Honey), Julieth Restrepo (Loving Pablo), Julio Cesar Cedillo (Sicario), Luis Chávez (Dead for a Dollar), Chris Mulkey (On the Basis of Sex), Kendal Rae (2 Broke Girls), and Manuel Uriza (Rambo: Last Blood).

The film was produced 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.

Said Larson of the acquisition, “Vertical is the perfect home for Deadland. Their films deftly walk the line between entertainment, art, and commerce. We are thrilled to join forces.”

Added Vertical SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi, “We’re excited to be teaming up with Visit Films once again to bring this film to audiences. We were immediately intrigued by the haunting premise of the story, and the cast delivers heart pounding performances that draw you into the thrilling nightmare that unfolds.”

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

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