The horror movie Fresh Meat, filmed in the historic Chatham Jail, is set to be launched for international sales at the Cannes Film Market in France next month. The event will take place from May 12 to 20.
Filmmaker's Excitement
Chatham-based independent filmmaker Daniel Turres, who wrote and directed the film, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. He noted that the outcome at Cannes could significantly influence the film's momentum and future success.
Turres' previous horror film, Here for Blood, performed well on the streaming service ScreamBox. Although Turres cannot attend Cannes due to other filming commitments, international sales will be managed by Studio Dome.
Market Strategy
Turres described the Cannes launch as a way to present a new, theatrical-worthy slasher to the global market. The goal is to generate buzz for North American sales, with existing theater bookings in Canada and the U.S. serving as a selling point for international distributors.
The Horror Collective, a production and distribution company specializing in independent horror films, has acquired worldwide rights to Fresh Meat. Turres highlighted that the film is expected to be one of their major releases.
Release Plans
Fresh Meat is slated for a North American theatrical release in November, with the number of theaters yet to be determined. Turres has been asked to select screening cities and ensured Chatham will have its own showing at the local Cineplex. He also plans to screen the film in his hometown of London.
Plot and Recognition
The story follows social media content creators who break into an abandoned jail to film viral footage, only to encounter a bloodthirsty inmate with an insatiable appetite for fresh meat. The film has already won the award for best special effects at the Blood in the Snow Film Festival. Festival director Kelly Michael Stewart described it as the most violent film they have ever featured.
Whitney Archer, Turres' partner and the film's art director, expressed amazement at the attention the film is receiving. She credited her natural ability to conceive gory concepts for the film's distinctive visual style.
