Italy's Lucky Red has picked up rights on Venice competition entry The Phantom (O Fantasma), from Portugal's Rosa Filmes.

According to Phantom producer Amandio Coroado, the feature is slotted for a 10-copy release in Italy on September 8, coinciding with the film's festival screening. Phantom will be released in Portugal on 10 prints in October.

A debut feature from Joao Pedro Rodrigues, Phantom is the dark tale of a young man's obsession for sex. Rodrigues' short film Happy Birthday! won a Special Jury Prize at Venice in 1997.

This is Rosa Filmes' third year with a film at Venice: last year, Alberto Seixas Santos' Mercy (Mal) screened in competition.