With apocalyptic storms appearing out of nowhere, the second edition of the Frontières co-production and networking platform at the Marché du film was summoned during Cannes Film Festival with a clap of thunder and streak of lightning in the French sky.  While the red carpets were washed out, industry professionals were absorbing information from various pitches and showcases for the new wave genre films seeking support or help from the attendees.  Starting with the Proof of Concept Presentation, filmmakers took to the stage to state their dark desires ranging from funds to distribution.  Here’s a recap of the standout selections.

CENSOR (UK)
Director: Prano Bailey-Bond
Writers: Prano Bailey-Bond  & Anthony Fletcher
Producer:  Helen Jones (Silver Salt Films), Kim Newman (Executive Producer)

1984. After viewing a strangely familiar video nasty, Enid, a film censor, sets out to solve the past mystery of her sister’s disappearance, embarking on a quest that dissolves the line between fiction and reality.

After an eye-wincing snippet of her directors showreel, Prano set the tone for Censor with a nostalgic look back at a televised news broadcast familiar to those growing up in the UK.  With the Video Nasty phenomenon and hysteria setting the stage this looks like a hot project to watch.  You can follow the director on Twitter and explore her website here.

GIRL WITH NO MOUTH (Turkey)
Director/Writer: Can Evrenol
Producer: MO Film – Müge Büyüktalaş

Based on a short story by Turkish comic book artist Cem Ozuduru, the film is a coming-of-age story about Perihan, a girl born without a mouth, who is befriended by a gang of three boys also missing body parts, while on the run from the authorities.

Can Evrenol’s latest project is a departure from horror to the realms of fairytale.  Absent from the panel due to shooting Netflix’s first series in the Turkish language, his producer introduced footage.  Showing the titular character dashing through wilderness before appearing in a medicated fantasy realm.  Without skipping a beat the project has been snapped up, as reported by Screen International.

THE MONSTER WITHIN (Chile/Denmark)
Director: Rodrigo Susarte
Writer: Valeria Hofmann
Producers: Florencia Larrea & Gregorio González (Forastero), Lene Borglum (Space Rocket Nation)

In an isolated military encampment in the far south of Chile, three teenagers plan to take revenge against their parents, bringing to life a terrifying mythological being that they hope will become the protector of their generation: the Invunche.

You can watch the teaser below.  In addition to this footage, the Invunche creature was displayed in disturbing digital animatic along with storyboards.  I dread to think what nightmares will be conjured when motion is applied to the rib busting beast.

https://vimeo.com/229599488

BUYERS SHOWCASE 

Switching pace the next section of Frontières focussed on projects in post-production.  With an introduction a series of clips played out giving the audience a taste of the cinematic scope of key moments.

RIOT GIRLS (Canada)
Director: Jovanka Vuckovic
Producer: Lauren Grant (Clique Pictures)
Sales Agent: Alliance Media Partners (Worldwide), XYZ Films (USA)

In an alternate 1995, a mysterious disease has wiped out all of the adults. In this new age, two gangs are pitted against each other in a brutal war for territory, resources and survival.

With a blasting soundtrack and a scene-stealing character by the name of Bacon, two sections from the film played out akin to Riverdale meets Lord of the Flies.

ZOO (Denmark/Sweden)
Director: Antonio Tublen
Producer: Alexander Brondsted (PingPong Film)
Sales Agent: Seville International

A couple trying to save their marriage during a zombie apocalypse.  Keeping things concise a fun trailer showed a couple tooling up and training in the confines of their apartment as the undead swarm.