New Zealand-based sales outfit Black Mandala has acquired international sales rights to “Lily’s Ritual,” the Spanish horror feature from director Manu Herrera, which will receive its world premiere at Grimmfest in Manchester, U.K.
“Lily’s Ritual” marks a return to practical effects-driven horror, with the production utilizing prosthetic makeup and traditional FX techniques for approximately 90% of the film. The approach was overseen by Pedro de Diego, one of Spain’s leading prosthetic makeup artists, who designed each effect individually during the screenwriting phase to ensure consistency and cinematic impact.
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Set during the fall equinox of 1999, the film follows four friends who gather at an isolated cabin to perform a witchcraft initiation. Lily, played by Maggie García in her first leading film role, is chosen to represent the element of air. The ritual takes a dark turn when Lily discovers she is actually intended as a sacrifice to the demon Lilith.
The cast also includes Patricia Peñalver as Lola, the head of the coven; British actress Eve Ryan as Laura; Elena Gallardo as Leo; and YouTuber Mike Fajardo as Adam, the film’s only male character. Fajardo brings a substantial social media following, with over 12 million followers across platforms.
Herrera co-wrote the screenplay with Javier Fernández Moratalla. The technical team includes cinematographer Felipe Alba, sound designer Fernando Pocostales (2023 Ondas Award winner), composer Joan Martorell, and production designer Marina Viancini. Jorge Redondo serves as executive producer for The Room Films and Chukumi Studio, with associate producers Nicolás Onetti and Michael Kraetzer.
The production has developed a transmedia strategy to extend the film’s reach beyond theatrical release, including a comic book illustrated by Paco de la Fuente (El Habitante), scheduled to coincide with the film’s premiere. The project also includes a horror-themed podcast centered on the character of Lilith, under the creative direction of Pocostales.
The 17th edition of Grimmfest runs Oct. 9-12.
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