U.K.-based Blue Finch Films has acquired worldwide sales rights, excluding Canada, to the holiday horror film 'Unholy Night,' marking the directorial debut of Michael Gabriele. The movie, which recently wrapped production in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, will have sales launched at Berlin's European Film Market. It blends family tensions with supernatural chaos during a Christmas Eve gathering.
Blue Finch Films announced the acquisition of 'Unholy Night,' a festive horror feature that transforms a traditional Italian family Christmas into a night of undead terror. The story follows Gino as his holiday celebration spirals when his late grandmother returns from the grave for a killing spree, joined by other resurrected relatives terrorizing the neighborhood. Gino must survive the chaos and banish the revenants to endure the family event.
Directed, written, and produced by Michael Gabriele—known for award-winning shorts like 'Get Away'—the film was produced alongside Jenna MacMillan of Club Red Productions and Jason Levangie and Marc Tetreault of Shut Up & Colour Pictures. Executive producers include Tina Carbone, Jef Burnham, Mike Chapman, and Fatima Hayward.
The cast features Marc Bendavid and Shailene Garnett in lead roles, supported by Al Sapienza, Ron Lea, Toni Ellwand, Cristina Rosato, Jaqueline Robbins, and Joe Pingue. Gabriele drew from personal experiences, stating: “We all know holiday family gatherings can feel like a survival horror, but Unholy Night takes that relatable tension to an extreme. Growing up in my Italian family, Christmas Eve was always a huge event that was loud and full of love, but also incredibly intense. I wanted to take those real pressures we all feel with family and combine them into a visceral, festive nightmare. Audiences can expect a violent ride that is hilarious, heartfelt, and frightening – as it explores the burden of family traditions and overcoming regret – amidst total chaos.”
Mike Chapman of Blue Finch Films praised the project: “‘Unholy Night’ is an impressive debut from Michael, taking the idea of unwanted family guests for Christmas to a whole new level. Mixing bold horror, dark humour, and heart, he has created a seasonal slam dunk.”
This acquisition joins Blue Finch's slate, including the Rotterdam-selected 'Bowels Of Hell' and SXSW's 'Imposters.' Production wrapped recently in Prince Edward Island, positioning the film for international buzz at the European Film Market.