Japanese major Shochiku is reporting strong sales interest in sci-fititle Casshern, about a futuristicworld where biologically-engineered humans attempt to take over the earth.

Contracts have already been signed with unnamed distributors for the UKand Portugal, and head of international business Masaki Koga says he is innegotiations for almost all major territories.The debut film of music video director Kazuaki Kiriya, Casshern has generated strong buzz amongmarket participants.

Other recent sales for Shochiku include family drama Quill, about the relationship between aseeing-eye dog and its owner, to Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia;and romantic drama Heaven's Bookstoreto Hong Kong.