Supernatural Horror ‘A Mother’s Embrace’ Rights Nabbed By Blue Finch

U.K.-based Blue Finch Films has acquired worldwide rights to the supernatural horror film “A Mother’s Embrace” from director Cristian Ponce.

Set in 1996, the story follows Ana, a young firefighter responding to an emergency at a retirement home during Rio de Janeiro’s worst storm. As her team attempts to evacuate the elderly residents, Ana uncovers sinister undercurrents and must confront her own past trauma to escape.

The film marks Ponce’s second feature, following “History of the Occult,” which won awards at Mar del Plata. He co-wrote the screenplay with Gabriela Capello and André Pereira. Pereira and Mariana Muniz produced through their Lupa Filmes banner.

Brazilian actor Marjorie Estiano, known for her International Emmy-nominated role in Globo’s “Under Pressure” and Locarno winner “Good Manners,” stars alongside Chandelly Braz and Javier Drolas.

Ponce said: “For me, the idea of evil based on the presumption of good was very important. As often people are convinced that they are doing something good for others when in reality they are condemning them, and how others will take advantage of this for their own benefit. I also wanted to explore the idea of how religion and politics have shaped this rather dystopian present that we inhabit right now, by convincing good people to do evil.”

Pereira added: “‘A Mother’s Embrace’ delves into horror through a story deeply rooted in our culture, brought to life by a cast and crew from Brazil and Argentina, and co-produced with Pablo Guisa from Morbido in Mexico, this film represents a true collaboration in Latin American genre cinema. We can’t wait to share our fears with audiences beyond our borders.”

Muniz said: “We are truly excited to have Blue Finch as our partner for this film. Every aspect of our movie has been carefully planned, and with Blue Finch’s solid experience and established market presence, we are sure that ‘A Mother’s Embrace’ will achieve outstanding results.”

Blue Finch’s international slate also includes Sitges title “Zero,” SXSW 2024 Midnighter Audience Award winner “Oddity,” and Adilkhan Yerzhanov’s thriller “Steppenwolf.”

“A Mother’s Embrace” is set for its festival premiere this fall, with details to be revealed. First-look images were unveiled at Cannes’ Fantastic Pavilion last year.