FilmSharks, a prominent distribution company based in Buenos Aires, has struck a deal with Videocine, the film production arm of TelevisaUnivision, to handle international sales for the horror film Don’t Leave the Kids Alone. Directed by Emilio Portes (Belzebuth, Pastorela), the film is set for a theatrical release in the second quarter of 2025.
Videocine, one of Mexico’s leading production and distribution companies, will retain the North and South American rights to the film. The announcement was made by FilmSharks’ CEO and founder Guido Rud at the European Film Market (EFM) during the Berlinale, where the deal was finalized alongside other agreements.
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing collaboration with the incredible team at Videocine,” Rud said. He highlighted his past work on several Videocine horror titles, including Karem, the Possession, Come Play with Me, and El Habitante. He also expressed admiration for Portes’ previous works, noting, “‘Don’t Leave the Kids Alone’ is a genre-defining film with a narrative scope that rivals the best work from U.S. directors in recent years.”
The film, set in the 1980s, stars Ana Serradilla (My Best Friend’s Wedding) and Jose Sefami (Amores Perros). It follows Catalina, a recently widowed mother, who leaves her two young sons alone for a work event.
While unsupervised, the boys begin to unpack their prized video game console, unaware that something dark is lurking, causing them to turn on each other.
The film made its world premiere at the 54th Rotterdam International Film Festival in early February.
Portes shared his personal connection to the project, describing it as a “journey back to our childhood.” He reflected on the film’s nostalgic atmosphere, evoking memories of an analog era, when landline phones, no internet, and primitive video game consoles were the norm. Portes added that the film explores themes of childhood independence, sibling rivalry, and the wild imagination that arises from being left alone at home.
This marks Portes’ fifth film, where he continues to explore the complexities of sibling relationships and childhood fantasies. His 2020 film Belzebuth, a thriller set on the U.S.-Mexico border dealing with the topic of infanticide, was both a box office success and a hit on Shudder, where it was ranked as the fifth most-watched film of the year.
In addition to the international sales deal, FilmSharks also recently announced distribution agreements for the Argentine animated film Dalia and the Red Book at EFM. The film has secured a deal with Vision Films for North America, and negotiations are ongoing for various territories including the U.K., France, Korea, China, Italy, and Scandinavia.
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