Singing-and-dancing vegan zombies have been spotted across Sacramento in recent weeks — but there’s no need for alarm. They’re part of multimedia artist Belton Mouras Jr.’s debut musical feature, Fingers: The Vegan Zombie Musical, now in production as the city’s first original musical film.
The film began shooting last month at locations throughout the Sacramento region and is set to wrap production next week. Mouras Jr. wrote the script, composed twelve original songs, and is directing and co-starring in the project, which Belton Mouras Entertainment plans to release this Halloween.
“As a longtime Sacramento resident, it’s especially meaningful to film throughout the region and collaborate with so many talented local cast and crew members. Auburn and Gibson Ranch have been incredible locations, offering a beautiful and visually diverse backdrop. And Camino’s Apple Hill region—where we filmed much of the original short—is truly breathtaking,” said Mouras Jr., whose film expands on his 2024 short Fingers: The World’s First Vegan Zombie, also shot locally.
The Fingers short and two fully choreographed song-and-dance videos have garnered over three million combined views, which spurred Mouras Jr. to expand his imaginative vegan zombie story into a full-length musical feature.
The film features a wide-ranging ensemble that includes Broadway performer Grace Field and Sacramento opera vocalists Omari Tau and Vanessa Martucci, who appear in a showcase number Mouras Jr. calls “Opera Rock Hop”—a high-energy fusion of opera, rock, and hip-hop. Two-time Emmy Award-winning jazz musician Tony Saunders and Billboard chart-topping flutist Althea René also make cameo appearances.
One of the film’s most elaborate sequences was shot in a downtown Sacramento warehouse, featuring K-pop performer Sean Choi, I-pop artist Lav Raman, and their dance teams in a multi-group dance-off alongside a rap battle. The multicultural scene also highlights a six-member mariachi folklórico ensemble and a standout vocal performance from co-lead actor Rachel Williams, all set within a vibrant, immersive environment.
“Bringing together such a wide range of cross-genre musical talent has created several truly memorable moments. With twelve original songs spanning hip-hop, pop, jazz, rock, and country, the film builds a vibrant world where zombies not only relearn how to live—but sing, dance, and ultimately contribute back to society,” said Mouras Jr., who plays the title character.
“As the film’s creator—providing both the story and the music—I’ve been grateful for the incredible opportunity to also play the lead role of Fingers and bring the character to life, bringing together multiple creative platforms into one cohesive and entertaining experience—creating an epic cinematic universe for Fingers.”
A classically trained musician, Mouras Jr. is enjoying a remarkably prolific year. In March, he released a contemporary jazz instrumental called “Dynamo” that features him playing piano and keyboards alongside nine-time GRAMMY® nominee Gerald Albright on saxophone and Saunders on bass. He also released his first country single, “Hold My Hand With Your Heart,” a vocal tune that he sang, composed, and performed. Both singles are garnering an abundance of airplay while the intimate video that accompanied the release of the country love song is receiving significant views.
Last October, Mouras Jr. released the opening song-and-dance number from Fingers: The Vegan Zombie Musical as a standalone single “What A World” along with a video of the scene featuring 25 dancers on location in Sacramento. Watch “What A World (We Live In)” here: https://youtu.be/SHWaNonj5E0.
For more information, visit https://beltonmourasentertainment.com.
ABOUT BELTON MOURAS ENTERTAINMENT:
Belton Mouras Entertainment (BME) is dedicated to passionate storytelling through music, film, and art. Founded by screenwriter, director, composer, and painter Belton Mouras, Jr., the Sacramento, California-based company has produced acclaimed short films such as Fingers: The World’s First Vegan Zombie and Mickey’s Tree. BME’s projects blend humor, heart, and social commentary, with accompanying soundtracks and singles that have charted and reached audiences worldwide. For more information, please visit https://beltonmourasentertainment.com.
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