Filmax International has picked up worldwide distributionrights to Spanish thriller Hypnos (Hipnos)from DeAPlaneta PC, and will present it to buyers in Toronto.

The deal teams two of Spain's film behemoths and couldmark the start of a prolific relationship. It also marks only the second timeFilmax has picked up a third-party film for international sales, a strategy thecompany says it will continue. The first was Daniel Monzon's TheWarrior's Heart (El Corazon Del Guerrero) in 2000.

Hypnos is the feature directorial debut of TV veteran DavidCarreras, who also co-wrote the script with JM Ruiz Cordoba about a youngpsychologist specialized in hypnosis who encounters a deadly mystery in theclinic where she works.

'From the beginning, we thought that this was the kindof film that would appeal to Filmax International, and with their presence inthe international market, we are certain that this will be a greatpartnership,' commented Agustí Mezquida, CEO of DeAPlaneta, themedia venture of Spanish and Italian publishing giants Planeta and De Agostini.

'It's great to find a Spanish theatrical releasethat holds such a natural appeal for the international market, particularly inits dynamic visual style and intricate plot,' added Filmax SVP of Sales &Co-Productions Antonia Nava.

The deal was signed by Filmax CEO Carlos Fernandez and Nava,and Hypnos producers Pau Calpe Rufat and Eneko Lizarraga Arratibel ofDeAPlaneta PC.

Hypnos joinsFilmax's autumn slate, which also includes Jaume Balaguero'sin-production English-language thriller Fragile: A Ghost Story starring Calista Flockhart, among other titles.