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Tartan Films has picked up the North American distribution rights to Frank van Geloven & Edwin Visser’s SLAUGHTER NIGHT (SL8N8) – a.k.a. “Slachtnacht”. The flick, penned by Van Geloven and Visser has proven to be a sweet commodity for London-based sales outfit High Point Films. The group has also sealed deals with Legend Films for German rights, Daylight Films in Brazil, DAI Films in Thailand and RAM Entertainment in Singapore. The company reports that they are still negotiating for deals in France and the U.K.
The tale merges old time justice with modern horror formulation as Kristel (Victoria Koblenko) enlists her friends to help her regain her father’s belongings at an abandoned mine following his death in a car accident. Her father had been at the mine researching for a book on a serial killer named Martiens who was put to work at the mine in the 19th century as a fireman. In those days convicted criminals were used in mining operations as “firemen”, which meant they were sent into the mine first and were to determine if gases were present by igniting a match. If the convict survived the subsequent explosion he was pardoned. If not, the citizens felt that justice was done. In all cases, there were no survivors. Save one. Martiens was sent into the mine, and despite successfully isolating the gas and surviving the explosion, was left to die. Kristel and her friend’s pack the usual assortment of gear for such an adventure, rations, blankets, and lights, but the group decides to bring an Ouija board – “just for kicks”. When the kids start fooling around with the board, the accidentally raise Martiens’ spirit and the race is on. The group’s visit becomes a nightmarish hell under earth as one by one Martiens spirit picks them off by jumping from body to body as he seeks his revenge. It’s a race against time as the group strives to put Martiens spirit to rest and reach the surface again before it’s too late. The cast includes Kürt Rogiers, Victoria Koblenko, Carolina Dijkhuizen, Jop Joris, Serge-Henri Valcke, Steve Hooi, Linda van der Steen, Emiel Sandtke, and Robert Eleveld as Andries Martiens.
The film recently played at the Netherlands Film where it was nominated for 6 awards and had a special screening in Toronto. Tartan will likely promote the film in specialized festivals and offer it in the direct-to-video market in the states. Shame too, because the film is an in your face blood rush from the shocking opening scene to the jugular splitting jump shots. Make no mistake, this film brings nothing fresh to the market, but if you’re in the mood for a good slasher pic, open wide and scream.
