A werewolf movie quite unlike any to come before it is currently in the works. We at Fango can exclusively reveal that Indian filmmaker Sapna Moti Bhavnani has begun production on her new werewolf movie Wolf Song. The film is currently in the works for Heather Buckley’s Black Mansion Films.
The film is set in India and what helps make it truly unique is that it is a documentary/fantasy/horror hybrid that weaves together the real-life story of Savitri, a 27-year-old woman living with hypertrichosis, aka Werewolf Syndrome, with a fantastical, fictional narrative. It is set against the backdrop of a small Indian village and explores themes of identity, societal acceptance, and personal empowerment, juxtaposing Savitri's struggles and aspirations in her real life with her character's journey in a fantasy film.
“Wolf Song is a deeply personal project for me born out of a desire to explore the complexities of identity, love, and societal expectations,” Bhavnani said. Aftermeeting Savitri’s mother, Anita, in 2021 she learned that she had been married to a man with Werewolf Syndrome as a child. As Bhavnani explained…
“I was horrified. The thought of a twelve-year-old girl being married off to a much older man with werewolf syndrome and seeing him for the first time on their wedding night sounded like a scene from a fantasy film only Jodorowsky could write, but non-fiction made it more terrifying.”
“Black Mansion was attracted to Wolf Song because of Bhavnani’s singular auteur vision and transgressive spirit focusing on identity and freedom,” Buckley said. Buckley is also a producer of films such as The Sacrifice Game and The Ranger.
Sapna Moti Bhavnani is best known as the Director of the award-winning 2019 documentary Sindhustan. Her second feature, My Dog Is Sick, was an official selection at the Visions Du Reel Market and World Premiered at the New Horizons International Festival in 2021. She is also the founder of Wench Films and Wench Film Festival, India’s first Horror Film Festival. Bhavnani had this to add about her commitment to the film:
“I am committed to bringing Savitri's journey to life with authenticity, sensitivity, and artistic integrity. Through meticulous attention to detail, evocative cinematography, and immersive sound design, we seek to craft a visceral and emotionally resonant narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.”
David Clair added, “I’m excited to work with Sapna on this emotional and groundbreaking hybrid storytelling project. Her vision and compassion for the story and her subject is deeply moving.”
Wolf Song does not currently have a release date, but stay tuned. For more, check out our list of the 11 best teenage werewolf movies.
