Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal takes on ‘Bury Your Dead’
A new gem in the genre film landscape
Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has recently acquired the rights to the elevated genre film Bury Your Dead, which is set to make its world premiere at the Sitges Film Festival in the competition section. This film is directed by the talented Brazilian filmmaker Marco Dutra.
Marco Dutra’s cinematic journey
Marco Dutra is no stranger to the international film circuit. His previous feature, All the Dead Ones, premiered in the Berlinale competition in 2020. Before that, his werewolf tale Good Manners, co-directed with Juliana Rojas, won the Silver Leopard at Locarno in 2017. The duo’s debut horror film, Hard Labor, premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section in 2011.
Upcoming festival appearances
Following its screening at Sitges, Bury Your Dead will also be showcased at the BFI London Film Festival. Additional fall festival selections are expected to be announced soon, further cementing the film’s presence on the international stage.
A gripping narrative
Bury Your Dead tells the story of Edgar Wilson, a roadkill collector in rural Brazil, who dreams of escaping his small-town life with Nete, the love of his life. However, when Nete decides to join her family in an apocalyptic cult, Edgar finds himself at a crossroads. With the world on the brink of destruction, Edgar and his unlikely companion, Tomás—a disgraced and excommunicated priest—embark on a perilous road trip through a landscape ravaged by chaos and despair. As they navigate the remnants of civilization, Edgar must confront his inner demons and reconcile with his past.
A film for genre enthusiasts and mainstream audiences
“Both genre enthusiasts and mainstream audiences will be captivated by this ambitious apocalyptic thriller, full of twists that keep you on edge. With high production value and Marco Dutra’s daring storytelling, this film stands out as a compelling choice for buyers,” said Maren Kroymann, managing director of M-Appeal.
Production and cast
The film is produced by RT Features and Globoplay. RT Features has a history of producing critically acclaimed films such as Call Me by Your Name (Sundance 2017), Bergman Island (Cannes 2021), Armageddon Time (Cannes 2022), and Ad Astra (Venice 2019). Globoplay, a leading Brazilian streaming platform, has recently ventured into producing theatrical features.
The cast is led by Selton Mello, a prominent figure in Brazilian cinema. His latest film, I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles, also produced by RT Features and Globoplay, recently premiered in the Venice competition.
Literary roots and adaptation
Bury Your Dead is an adaptation of Brazilian author Ana Paula Maia‘s 2019 novel. Maia is known for her dark and often brutal portrayals of working-class life. “I suggested Ana Paula Maia’s book to Marco, as I had the intuition that their work was deeply connected. Selton Mello’s acting, and Marco’s script, bring Ana’s recurring character of Edgar Wilson to life. We were able to put together a wonderful cast and team in a movie that I believe will stay with the viewers long after the projection ends,” added producer Rodrigo Teixeira of RT Features.
A visionary director
“Marco is a visionary director who has turned the horror and fantasy genres on their heads more than once and with Bury Your Dead he has done it in the most surprising way yet,” added Alex Medeiros, head of drama and film for Globoplay.
Explore more
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Bury Your Dead, you can watch the trailer here and find more information about the film.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Bury Your Dead, highlighting its significance in the genre film landscape and offering insights into the creative minds behind its production. Whether you’re a cinema enthusiast or a casual viewer, this film promises to be a thrilling experience that will leave a lasting impression.