"The Whirlpool"
New Zealand distributor Black Mandala has acquired Slovenian Radragon's English-language film "The Whirlpool" for distribution in a deal during EFM 2024. The all rights deal covers the USA/Canada, UK/Ireland and German-speaking territories, with the deal brokered by World Vision Entertainment.
Aimed at women aged between 16 and 35, the 95-minute English-language psychological horror film takes inspiration from mystical Slavic tales and gruesome gothic rituals. "The Whirlpool" tells the story of a woman who is unable to stand up for herself and seeks help from shamans, ancient spirits, and occult rituals. Set in the middle of the unknown forest, the film delves into the darkness that comes from within and deals with themes of womanhood, abuse and the long history of oppression.
"The Whirlpool" was directed by Denis Kruchkov, and the director of photography was award-winning cinematographer Hayk Kirakosyan.
Olga Loyanich, scriptwriter and producer of "The Whirlpool" says, “Despite recent movements such as #MeToo, to this day many women are afraid to fully exercise their rights. Psychology explains that the centuries-old oppressive status of women, which is transmitted from generation to generation as a norm and routine, could cause this phenomenon – so we made this film as a manifestation against abuse, to show young and old women alike that they don’t have to suffer and to get their power back.”