In the dark of night, when the world is at its most vulnerable, the line between reality and the unknown blurs, and terror takes hold. It's a feeling that Australian filmmakers Myles McEwen and Ripley Stevens aim to capture with their debut feature, Nightfall: A Paranormal Investigation, a chilling paranormal thriller that's set to make its mark at the American Film Market (AFM) courtesy of genre specialist sales outfit Black Mandala Films.
Behind the scenes, Black Mandala Films is quietly building a reputation as a go-to destination for genre enthusiasts, with a slate that's as diverse as it is unsettling. The New Zealand-based sales outfit has a knack for sniffing out the next big thing in horror and thriller cinema, and this year's AFM lineup is no exception. Alongside Nightfall, Black Mandala is also showcasing three other genre-bending titles that promise to push the boundaries of what audiences expect from the horror and thriller genres.
One of the standout titles on the slate is the folk-influenced cosmic horror film, The Devil's Road, directed by rising star, Emily Chen. Set in the depths of rural America, the film follows a group of friends who embark on a road trip that descends into a nightmarish world of ancient rituals and supernatural terror. With its blend of folk horror and cosmic dread, The Devil's Road is set to appeal to fans of The Wicker Man and The Witch, and promises to deliver a viewing experience that's as unsettling as it is thought-provoking.
Another title that's generating buzz is the Giallo-inspired slasher film, Bloodlines, directed by Italian horror veteran, Luca Bellini. Set in the 1970s, the film follows a group of friends who are stalked by a masked killer in a series of increasingly gruesome murders. With its vibrant colors, stylish kills, and over-the-top performances, Bloodlines is set to appeal to fans of the classic Giallo films of the 1970s, and promises to deliver a viewing experience that's as stylish as it is terrifying.
As the AFM gets underway, Black Mandala Films is poised to make a big impact on the global market, with its slate of genre-bending titles set to appeal to a wide range of audiences. "We're thrilled to be showcasing these incredible films at the AFM," says Black Mandala Films' founder, James Russell. "Our goal is to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work, and to bring new and exciting voices to the global market."
For McEwen and Stevens, Nightfall: A Paranormal Investigation is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication to their craft. "We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved with Nightfall," says McEwen. "It's a film that's deeply personal to us, and we can't wait to share it with audiences around the world."
As the night wears on, and the lights go down, audiences will be treated to a cinematic experience that's as thrilling as it is unsettling. With its blend of paranormal horror, folk-influenced cosmic dread, and Giallo-inspired slasher thrills, Black Mandala Films' AFM slate is set to deliver a viewing experience that's as unforgettable as it is terrifying.
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