‘Let Us Prey’, directed by Brian O’Malley, premiered last weekend at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival and walked away with the Méliès d’Argent – best European Fantastic Film. The film is now entered automatically for the Méliès d’Or at Sitges this October.
Starring Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones, Hunger) and Pollyanna McIntosh (Filth, The Woman, Love Eternal), ‘Let Us Prey’ follows the story of Rachel (McIntosh), a rookie cop, who is about to begin her first nightshift in a neglected police station in a backwater town. Written by Rae Brunton, David Cairns and Fiona Watson, the tale of terror sees the staff and prisoners of the rural police station taken over by an enigmatic stranger in cell six (Cunningham), with just one novice police officer (McIntosh) left immune to his control.
Produced by Brendan McCarthy and John McDonnell of Fantastic Films (Last Days On Mars) and Eddie Dick of Makar Productions (Outcast), ‘Let Us Prey’ also stars Bryan Larkin, Hanna Stanbridge, Brian Vernel, Niall Greig Fulton and Jonathan Watson. Director of photography is Piers McGrail (Kelly & Victor).
McCarthy of Fantastic Films said: “Brussels Fantastic Film Festival has been a great place for us to showcase what we do. We love the horror genre and it would appear so does the Brussels cinema going public”.
The gory horror wrapped production in Glasgow locations and Galway’s Solas Studios this autumn past. Post-production on the film was completed at Dublin’s Windmill Lane and edited by Tony Kearns (Kelly & Victor). Availing of Ireland’s Section 481, production was split between Ireland and Scotland, receiving backing from Greenhouse Media, Creative Scotland and the Irish Film Board.
Various international distribution deals were signed at the end of last year for the film in German-speaking Europe by company Alamode/Pierrot Le Fou, with Falcon Films covering the Middle East and Premiere TV Distribution securing rights for Benelux, the union of states comprised of neighbouring Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Sales are being handled by AV Pictures. ‘Let Us Prey’ will be screening in Cannes on May 15 and 17.
Other films produced by Fantastic Films that have been screened in Brussels including ‘Stitches’ (Conor McMahon), ‘Outcast’ (Colm McCarthy) and ‘Wake Wood’ (David Keating).
More information on Fantastic Films productions are available here. Watch the teaser trailer for ‘Let Us Prey’ below:
