Shudder Acquires US Rights to 'Bloody Tennis', International Sales Concluded Ahead of Locarno Debut

Nikias Chryssos' English-language horror film, "Bloody Tennis," has successfully finalized multiple international distribution agreements, most notably with Shudder for its release in the U.S. These deals were secured in anticipation of the film's global debut at the esteemed Locarno Film Festival, marking a significant milestone for the production.

Further distribution agreements for the film include territories such as Australia (Umbrella Entertainment), the Baltics (BestFilm.eu), Italy (Plaion Pictures), Japan (Extreme Film), Poland (9th Plan), and Scandinavia (Njutafilms). The U.S. rights acquisition was facilitated by CAA on behalf of Augenschein Sales, while Augenschein Sales directly managed the Australian deal. The Playmaker Munich played a crucial role in brokering the agreements for Poland, the Baltics, Japan, Scandinavia, and Italy, representing Augenschein Sales, and continues to manage remaining open territories.

The film boasts a talented ensemble cast including Sandra Guldberg Kampp from "Foundation," Golden Globe nominee Helena Zengel known for "News of the World," Tracy Gotoas from "Safe House," Lucie Zhang of "Paris, 13th District," Lily Taieb from "The French Dispatch," Elina Löwensohn of "Schindler’s List," and Zlatko Burić from "Triangle of Sadness." Jim Williams, celebrated for his work on "Titane," "Raw," and "Possessor," is responsible for the film's score. "Bloody Tennis" delves into the intense world of elite athletics, pushing the boundaries to disturbing levels with themes of fierce ambition and sinister undertones within a competitive academy setting, where only the most determined athletes can endure. The film was brought to life by producers Jonas Katzenstein and Maximilian Leo of Augenschein, in collaboration with Port au Prince Film & Kultur Produktion and ZDF, with principal photography conducted in Gran Canaria, Spain, and NRW, Germany.

The successful acquisition and international sales of "Bloody Tennis" underscore its potential to captivate a global audience with its unique blend of horror and sports. The film's journey, from its production in Europe to its premiere at a major festival and subsequent worldwide distribution, exemplifies the collaborative spirit and artistic vision of its creators and partners. This widespread reach ensures that the film's compelling narrative and striking visual style will be experienced by viewers across diverse markets, highlighting the enduring appeal of innovative storytelling in the horror genre.