Breaking News from Cannes
EXCLUSIVE: Amidst the bustling scene of Cannes, notable companies including 2AM, Elevation Pictures, and HanWay Films have successfully negotiated pre-sales for the UK and US markets for the medieval zombie horror film Rapture, featuring stars such as Will Poulter (Midsommar), Kit Connor (Heartstopper), and Manu Ríos (Elite), a project we highlighted last week.
The domestic rights for the film have been acquired by Independent Film Company (formerly IFC Films) and Shudder. The acquisition was facilitated through negotiations led by Christine D’Souza Gelb representing 2AM, Noah Segal from Elevation Pictures, along with contributions from CAA Media Finance Group and WME Independent.
Filming is scheduled to commence later this year in Hungary, with plans set for a 2026 theatrical release in the U.S. by Independent Film Company. Elevation Pictures will handle the release in Canada.
UK Distribution Secured
In addition, HanWay Films has finalized a distribution agreement in the UK with True Brit, a deal orchestrated by Nicole Mackey for HanWay Films and Nick Manzi for True Brit.
These deals, which collectively amount to several million dollars, were sealed at Cannes, highlighting a stark contrast to other negotiations reported earlier today concerning the film The Hole.
The film’s premise is captivating and timely, fitting well within the current market trends. Set in the year 1348 in Medieval England, the narrative unfolds in Lansley Abbey, a secluded Yorkshire monastery home to ten monks. Their serene existence is abruptly disturbed by a messenger bearing ominous news of a spreading plague. This illness initially presents as a hemorrhagic fever before transforming its victims into ‘revenants’—tormented, undead creatures. As the disease encroaches, the monastery turns into a scene of conflict, with outsiders seeking sanctuary and the infected nearing breach. The monks find themselves divided over their duties—some advocate for caring for the afflicted, while others prioritize preserving their sacred knowledge. The unfolding chaos tests their limits of humanity and morality.
The film is the first feature directed by playwright Jordan Tannahill. It is produced by Elevation Pictures (Infinity Pool), 2AM (Past Lives), and Brookstreet Pictures (The Brutalist), with Eli Arenson (Lamb) serving as the director of photography.
The film will also see Poulter and Connor reunite, following their recent collaboration in Alex Garland’s Warfare. Spanish actor and singer Ríos recently featured in Pedro Almodovar’s Strange Way Of Life.
Ayo Kepher-Maat, Vice President of Acquisitions and Productions at Independent Film Company, expressed enthusiasm about the project, noting, “Jordan’s vision is extraordinarily bold and chilling, combining historical drama with supernatural elements in a novel way, supported by three of today’s most compelling actors.”
Zygi Kamasa, founder and CEO of True Brit Entertainment, noted his eagerness to introduce Jordan Tannahill, a Canadian writer based in London known for his successful books and plays, to the film industry with his debut feature Rapture. Kamasa, who has experience launching major horror franchises like Saw and Jeepers Creepers with Lionsgate, anticipates that Rapture will captivate audiences in the UK and Ireland.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
