Rotterdam-Bound Horror ‘Bowels of Hell’ Lands at Blue Finch Films (EXCLUSIVE)

Blue Finch Films has picked up international sales rights to “Bowels of Hell,” a genre-bending horror film set to make its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam this month. The U.K. sales and distribution company secured worldwide rights excluding Brazil and plans to begin market screenings at Berlin’s European Film Market in February.

The film centers on Malu, whose struggles with unresolved trauma and a difficult child take a nightmarish turn when an inexplicable curse brings toilets to life as murderous creatures, plunging her into a bizarre realm where maternal responsibilities, loss and existential dread intertwine.

Gustavo Vinagre and Gurcius Gewdner co-wrote and co-directed the project. Vinagre earned the Berlinale Teddy Award for “Three Tidy Tigers Tied a Tie Tighter,” while Gewdner helmed “Pazucus: Island of Vomit and Despair.” Brazilian powerhouse RT Features produced through Rodrigo Teixeira, Berta Marchiori and Tereza Alvarez. The company’s credits span Oscar-winning titles including “Call Me by Your Name,” “I’m Still Here” and “The Witch.”

Netflix’s “Pedaço de Mim” actor Martha Nowill takes the lead. Supporting players include Otávio Müller (“Alemão: Both Sides of the Operation”), Chandelly Braz (Netflix’s “Maria e o Cangaço”), Marco Pigossi (SXSW selection “High Tide”), Regina Braga (“Deus Nos Acuda”) and Olivia Torres (Oscar winner “I’m Still Here”). Brazilian veteran Maria Gladys (“Rat Fever”) and director Bruce LaBruce round out the cast.

“We made ‘Bowels of Hell’ out of a deep affection for horror and with the playful sensibility of childhood — a space where fear becomes tender, and imagination turns darkness into something strangely loving,” said Vinagre and Gewdner.

Mike Chapman of Blue Finch Films called the project “both a provocative and bold piece of filmmaking from Gustavo and Gurcius. Combining jaw dropping genre moments and profound themes, it will stick with viewers for a multitude of reasons.”

Other titles on Blue Finch’s slate include Fantastic Fest premiere “Dolly,” Jessica Rothe-led sci-fi horror “Affection” and George MacKay starrer “Mission,” a BBC Film production.