UK: FrightFest Turn Distributor, Release Italian Horror ‘Shadow’

Posted on March 14, 2011 by UK Editor

by Ben Bussey

Now this is a potentially very nice turn of events for horror in the UK. FrightFest have teamed up with Wild Bunch to launch FrightFest Features, a new distribution label in association with eOne. We can safely assume rom-coms are not high on the agenda.

Their first release will be Shadow, from Italian writer/director Federico Zampaglione, which premiered at FrightFest 2009. (Given that Zampaglione is also the frontman of an Italian rock band, I must restrain myself from making Rob Zombie comparisons… especially as I haven’t even seen his film yet.) Synopsis from the press release follows:

Returning from a devastating tour of duty in Iran, David (Jake Muxworthy) decides to go on a mountain-biking adventure in the Alps to put his horrific memories of war behind him. High in the Alpine forest he meets pretty young Angeline (Karina Testa) and together they explore their idyllic surroundings. They discover a local legend about a lost Nazi experiment camp – a discovery that will force David to endure horrors more terrifying than anything he encountered on the battlefield. He will come face-to-face with the bloodthirsty butcher Mortis (Nuot Arquint) and learn that reality is far sicker, far gorier and far deadlier than any nightmare imaginable.

Naturally both the FrightFest and Wild Bunch camps are upbeat about their new venture, with FrightFest’s Alan Jones remarking “FrightFest has an enviable international reputation for discovering major new talent, which Federico Zampaglione and SHADOW exemplify. We couldn’t be more delighted that Wild Bunch is joining us in bringing them to a wider and appreciative audience.” Wild Bunch co-founder Alain De Mata adds,  “having followed and been greatly impressed by the year-on-year growth of FrightFest festivals, both in London and in Glasgow as well, Wild Bunch is honoured to join forces with the preeminent purveyors of the finest horror cinema in the UK in what we feel to be a perfect, unholy alliance.”

Can’t blame their optimism. FrightFest is already a highly respected brand, and I see no reason why that shouldn’t extend to distribution. Happy days.

FrightFest Features/eOne will release Shadow to UK cinemas on 29th April 2011, then DVD/Blu-ray on 23rd May.