Darclight Films has acquired international rights to the horror thriller and will commence screenings in Cannes. XYZ Films handles North American sales.

The zombie story centres on a young woman who contracts what she thinks is a sexually transmitted disease following a one-night stand that in fact turns out to be something entirely different.

Eric England directed Contracted which stars Najarra Townsend, Caroline Williams, Simon Barrett, Charlie Koontz, Dave Holmes and Ruben Pla. Raphael Margules and JD Lifshitz of BoulderLight Pictures produced.

Contracted is a uniquely breakthrough and edgy genre-driven film with a shrewd twist on the traditional zombie film and worldwide commercial viability,” said Arclight Films vp of sales and acquisitions Clay Epstein. “We’re excited to present Contracted to buyers and audiences in Cannes.”

“We’re delighted to be partnering up with Clay Epstein and the Arclight team,” said Margules. “They understand the picture and we’re eager to unveil it to audiences worldwide. We believe Contracted offers what genre fans want from a horror film, with new twists and turns sure to have them gasping for breath.”