EnglishVOD - Mind Body Spirit : Welcome Villain Films acquires worldwide rights to yoga horror film Mind body spirit
By Mulder, 21 march 2024
In an era where the lines between horror and reality blur with chilling precision, Welcome Villain Films proudly announces its acquisition of worldwide rights to Mind Body Spirit, a film that daringly intertwines the tranquility of yoga with the heart-pounding terror of the supernatural. Following the footsteps of their previous releases like last year's Malum and Beaten to Death, Welcome Villain Films continues to redefine genre boundaries with this latest addition.
Mind Body Spirit, directed by the dynamic duo Alex Henes and Matthew Merenda, invites audiences into the life of Anya, an ambitious yoga influencer. Through her lens, we embark on a spiritual journey rooted in a mysterious practice inherited from her estranged grandmother. However, the path to enlightenment quickly turns into a descent into horror as Anya's obsession with the ritual awakens a malevolent force that seeps into her very existence.
Set to make its haunting debut at the Unnamed Footage Festival on March 31st before launching across digital platforms on May 7th, the film has already sparked anticipation and fear, marking its territory as a not-to-be-missed event in the supernatural screenlife genre.
Luke LaBeau, Welcome Villain Films' Head of Development, hailed the film as a creative blend of wellness and horror, emphasizing its fresh take on the genre. The enthusiasm is shared by the film's co-directors, Alex Henes and Matthew Merenda, who describe Mind Body Spirit as a passion project inspired by the midnight movies of their youth - a blend of terror, humor, and an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Premiering at the Telluride Horror Show, Mind Body Spirit quickly garnered attention as a standout found footage film, weaving together horror with poignant social commentary. Critics and festival-goers alike have lauded the film for its innovative approach to the genre, with Dread Central's Mary Beth McAndrews praising its smart, spooky, and entertaining execution.
Produced by Dan Asma, alongside Jesse McClung, and featuring a talented cast led by Sarah J. Bartholomew, Mind Body Spirit embodies Welcome Villain Films' commitment to empowering filmmakers with unique visions. The film was shot on location in Los Angeles, promising an immersive and terrifying experience reflective of its creative roots.
As the official headline sponsor of UFF24, Welcome Villain Films not only supports Mind Body Spirit but also celebrates the broader community of horror enthusiasts and creators. The festival will feature in-person appearances and a Q&A session with Henes, Merenda, and Bartholomew, offering fans an insider look at the making of this groundbreaking film.
Welcome Villain Films stands at the forefront of innovation in genre filmmaking, fostering a space where creativity meets strategic distribution. With Mind Body Spirit, the studio continues its mission to deliver edgy, engaging content to a genre-hungry audience, proving once again that horror has the power to both entertain and provoke thought.
As Mind Body Spirit prepares to unleash its chilling tale on May 7th, both newcomers and aficionados of the horror genre are invited to experience a film that promises to challenge perceptions, stir emotions, and leave a lasting impact on the mind, body, and spirit.
Welcome Villain Films is a fully integrated genre studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of storytelling in horror and beyond. With a focus on innovative business models and a flexible approach to development, production, and marketing, Welcome Villain Films is a beacon for filmmakers seeking a collaborative partner to bring unique visions to life.
Synopsis :
n this fast, freaky found-footage flick, Anya, an aspiring yoga influencer, embarks on a ritual practice left behind by her estranged grandmother. She documents the practice on her YouTube channel for the world to watch, allowing her audience intimate access to her journey. But what starts as a spiritual self-help guide quickly evolves into something much more sinister. As Anya becomes obsessed with the mysterious power of the practice, she unwittingly unleashes an otherworldly entity that begins to take control of her life -- and her videos. Now Anya must race to unlock the truth, before her descent into madness threatens to consume her mind, body and spirit. By the time she reveals the true nature of the ritual, will it be too late?
Mind body Spirit
Written and directed by Alex Henes, Matthew Merenda
Produced by Jesse McClung
Starring Sarah J. Bartholomew, Madi Bready, KJ Flahive, Anna Knigge, Kristi Noory
Music by Sean Thatcher Hubrich
Cinematography : Blake Horn
Edited by Matthew Merenda
Distributed by Welcome Villain Films
Release date : NC
Running time : 85 minutes