Vantage Media has acquired US rights to “The Calling Witch” from Storyboard Media. The deal was announced at this year’s American Film Market.
Directed by Mark Wilson and penned by Chris Rett, the film centers around a sinister figure from a bestselling scary story for kids who lures children into the woods so she can devour them. When the story’s author suddenly dies, the witch seems to leap off the pages of the book and into the real world, targeting the author’s children. Alone in their remote family home, the siblings must fight to survive — and uncover the dark truth behind the legend their mother created.
It was produced by Retts, Wilson, Jesse Bontreger and Alex Swickard.
The deal was negotiated by Jessica Russo, COO of Vantage Media, and Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard Segel, President of Storyboard Media, on behalf of the filmmakers.
“’The Calling Witch’ is a chilling homage to classic folklore and ghost stories passed down through generations — tales like La Llorona that warned of spirits luring the innocent,” said Russo. “This film embraces that timeless atmosphere steeped in mystery and unease. It builds tension through mood, performance, and story, delivering a truly unsettling experience that will haunt audiences long after the credits roll.”
“We’re thrilled to partner again with VMI/Vantage following our first collaboration on the Vince Vaughn, Clark Duke & Liam Hemsworth starrer ‘Arkansas’ in 2020,” added Costa de Beauregard Segel. “Given their proven success with genre films, including ‘Popeye the Slayer Man,’ we’re confident The Calling Witch will be another strong success on their slate.
Vantage Media plans to release “The Calling Witch” in Q1 2026.
