Arclight shines on tale of 2 women

Sales agents picks up 'Juani'

By PATRICK FRATER

Arclight Films, the Oz-U.S. sales agent, has picked up international rights to Spanish helmer Bigas Luna's "Yo soy la Juani." Pic opened in its native Spain last week and took $822,727 at 185 venues, some $150,000 over local exhib's expectations and good enough for fifth spot.

Story involves two women who give up their small-town lives and deadbeat boyfriends for sexy fun in Madrid.

The film generated buzz in Spain following a casting stunt that saw thousands of Madrid teenagers line up for a chance to win a role in the film.

Produced by Televisio de Catalunya (TV3), "Juani" stars Veronica Echegui, Dani Martin, Laya Marti, Gorka Lasaosa, Jose Chaves, Mercedes Hoyos, Marcos Campos, Benito Sagredo and William Miller.