Blue Finch Films Secures Rights to Holiday Horror Unholy Night

Blue Finch Films, a UK-based company that handles film sales and distribution, has acquired worldwide sales rights to Unholy Night, a holiday horror movie. This marks the directing debut of Michael Gabriele. The film wrapped production recently in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Blue Finch will start selling the film to buyers at the European Film Market during the Berlin International Film Festival next month.

Background

Holiday horror movies have found a steady audience in recent years. Films like Rare Exports and Krampus mixed Christmas cheer with scares and did well at festivals and on streaming platforms. Unholy Night fits into this trend. It tells the story of Gino, a man who faces terrifying events during the Christmas season. The plot follows Gino as he deals with dark forces that turn his holiday into a nightmare. Production took place over several weeks in Charlottetown, a small city on Canada's east coast known for its quiet streets and winter charm. Local crews and actors helped bring the story to life. The area's snowy landscapes and old buildings provided the perfect backdrop for the film's chilling tone.

Michael Gabriele, the director, comes from a background in short films and music videos. He spent years building skills in visual storytelling before tackling this feature. Gabriele wrote the script himself, drawing from personal experiences of holidays gone wrong. He chose Prince Edward Island for its isolation, which added to the film's sense of dread. The production team kept things local where possible, hiring residents for many roles behind and in front of the camera. This approach helped control costs and supported the community. Shooting wrapped just before the new year, allowing time for post-production work ahead of the Berlin market.

Blue Finch Films specializes in finding fresh titles from around the world. The company has a track record with genre films, including horrors and thrillers. They often take projects from completion to wide release through deals with streaming services and theaters. Their office in London serves as a hub for international buyers looking for the next big thing.

Key Details

Film Plot and Cast

Unholy Night centers on Gino, played by a rising Canadian actor whose name has not been released yet. Gino returns home for Christmas after years away. What starts as a family reunion turns sinister when strange occurrences plague the town. Shadowy figures lurk in the snow, and holiday traditions take on a deadly twist. The film blends jump scares with slow-building tension. It runs about 95 minutes and was shot on digital cameras for a crisp, modern look.

The cast includes local talent from Prince Edward Island alongside a few known faces from Toronto's film scene. Production designer Sarah Mills created sets that mix cozy holiday decor with hidden horrors. Cinematographer Alex Chen captured the cold blues and festive reds that define the film's palette.

Sales Strategy

Blue Finch plans a full launch at the European Film Market, which runs from February 13 to 21 as part of the Berlin Film Festival. They will screen a teaser or early cut to attract distributors from North America, Europe, and Asia. The company aims for deals that cover streaming rights, theatrical releases, and home video. Past successes at the market have led to picks by Netflix and Amazon for similar genre films.

"Unholy Night brings a fresh scare to the holidays with smart twists and real chills. We're excited to share it with buyers in Berlin." – Michael Gabriele, director

Post-production continues in Toronto, where editors refine the cut and sound designers add layers of eerie effects. A composer from Vancouver is scoring the film, mixing holiday tunes with dissonant strings.

What This Means

For Blue Finch Films, picking up Unholy Night expands their horror slate. They now have a title ready for the busy festival season. Success at Berlin could lead to quick sales, bringing revenue from multiple territories. The film joins a wave of holiday horrors that perform well during the winter release window. Streaming platforms often seek these for December lineups, pairing scares with seasonal viewing.

Michael Gabriele gets his first big break. A strong market response could launch his career, leading to more directing gigs. For the cast and crew, especially those from Charlottetown, exposure at Berlin opens doors. Prince Edward Island's film scene grows with projects like this, drawing more work to the region.

Buyers face a crowded market, but Unholy Night stands out with its debut director and tight story. Distributors may see it as low-risk with high appeal for younger viewers who enjoy genre mixes. If deals happen fast, the film could hit screens or streams by late 2026. The holiday theme times it perfectly for next Christmas. Blue Finch's involvement signals confidence in the project's potential. They handle packaging, marketing materials, and negotiations to maximize value. For indie horror, this path often leads to wider audiences than self-distribution.

The European Film Market serves as a key testing ground. Films that generate buzz there often secure funding for festivals like Sundance or Cannes. Unholy Night's team prepares detailed pitch decks and assets to showcase its strengths. Early feedback from private screenings has been positive, focusing on the film's pace and visuals. As Berlin approaches, all eyes turn to how this holiday chiller fares among global buyers.