Folk-Horror Feature ‘Thaw’ Lands U.S.-Yakut Co-Production Deal at AFM (EXCLUSIVE)

Saidam Baryl and Argentic Productions have signed a co-production agreement on “Thaw,” a folk-horror feature written and directed by Yakutian filmmaker Stepan Burnashev.

The deal, signed at the American Film Market (AFM), represents what is believed to be the first narrative feature co-production between a Yakut and an American film company.

The mystical thriller takes place in a remote Yakutian village, where an American filmmaker investigating thawing permafrost gets caught up in a local teenager named Sardaana’s shamanic initiation. The story explores the intersection of climate science and indigenous beliefs, blending documentary-style observation with spiritual and psychological elements.

“In Western culture, experiences like this are often framed as possession requiring exorcism,” Burnashev said. “In Sakha tradition, it is understood as the beginning of becoming a shaman — a calling, a responsibility. ‘Thaw’ invites audiences to see this transformation not as something to drive out, but something to understand.”

KT Kent of Argentic Productions described the project as “a distinctive voice piece — elevated folk-horror with cultural specificity, real place, and international upside.”

The production plans to assemble an international cast and creative team, with a global theatrical and streaming release strategy. “Thaw” is eyeing a festival debut in late 2026 or early 2027.

Burnashev has emerged as a prominent figure in contemporary Yakutian cinema, known for atmospheric storytelling that blends modern life with indigenous Sakha perspectives. In October, four of his films — “Black Snow,” “Our Winter,” “Cursed Land-Fate” and “Aita” — launched globally on Prime Video. He recently wrapped production on “The Penthouse,” a psychological thriller shot in Malaysia starring Soji Arai of “Tokyo Vice” and “Pachinko.”

Kent founded Argentic Productions in 2017, focusing on genre content with thematic depth. “We are looking for projects that inform public discourse,” Kent said. “How do old philosophies apply to modern life? How can you interpret events in new ways that challenge your perspective? We want you to leave the theater going ‘Wow! I never thought of it that way.’ We want to make films that you’ll still be debating over dinner the next week. ‘Thaw’ fits that profile perfectly.”

Saidam Baryl is based in Yakutsk in Russia’s Sakha Republic, while Argentic Productions is based in Los Angeles.