Satanic horror is enjoying a bit of a moment back in the spotlight. It is certainly alive and well in Alejandra Parody and Ben Sottak’s upcoming short Martillo which takes the satanic action to medieval Cartagena. Using a combination of physical sets, VFX-enhanced practical makeup and gore effects, the filmmakers were able to bring the dungeons of medieval Cartagena to life, with a demonic and bloody twist.
Martillo was written and directed by Alejandra Parody and Ben Sottak and stars Ajani Russell (Skate Kitchen, HBO’s Betty) and Jessica Pimentel (Orange is the New Black, The Horror of Dolores Roach), who also serves as Executive Producer. Produced by Gabriel Rosenstein and Emmajane Hoffman for The Spitting Image, this medieval period is set in Cartagena, Colombia, in 1666.
Accused of witchcraft, an enslaved woman comes face to face with evil incarnate and must make a Faustian bargain for her freedom while imprisoned in the bowels of the Palace of the Inquisition. The film also stars Ray Acevedo and Magdalena Borlando.
Listen, you had us at “the bowels of the Palace of the Inquisition.” We have an exclusive sneak peek at some gory stills, behind-the-scenes photos, and heavy metal teaser below:
Filmmakers Alejandra Parody and Ben Sottak shared with FANGORIA exclusively, “Martillo was born out of our love for epic, operatic horror movies like Suspiria, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and The Devil’s Backbone, coupled with our desire to shine a light on Colombia’s magical realism and rich history of witch trials. We are beyond thrilled to be premiering our film to the genre-loving audiences at Fantasia Festival, and can’t wait for them to see our bloody vision on the big screen.”
Martillo premieres on Friday, August 2nd at Montreal’s Fantasia Festival, ahead of E.L. Katz and Simon Barrett’s Azrael starring Samara Weaving. Fantasia co-director Mitch Davis says: “This has to be one of the most metal period occult shorts that I’ve ever seen. Crazy well directed, the lead is fantastic, and it’s just bursting with stunning imagery.”
Grab your tickets to Azrael and Martillo right here.
