Queer Midnight Horror Film Wraps Festival Run, With U.S. Release Targeted for Early 2023

Los Angeles, CA (January 17, 2023) – Momentum Pictures has acquired all North American rights to Sundance award-winning director Carter Smith’s queer midnight horror film SWALLOWED.

Produced completely DIY in the backwoods of Smith’s hometown in Maine during the height of COVID, the film stars Cooper Koch, Jena Malone, Mark Patton, and debuts Jose Colon. After taking home completion prizes at the beloved US in Progress sidebar competition at the American Film Festival in Wroclaw, Poland, the film has since played several high-profile festivals including Fantasia, Fantastic, Overlook, Outfest, Brooklyn Horror, Screamfest, and NewFest where it won the Grand Jury prize for best feature. The film has received rave reviews from Film School Rejects, Flickering Myth, Anton Bitel, Dread Central and more.

Set in a remote township on the border between Maine and Canada, SWALLOWED is a story about friendship and the extremes we are willing to endure to protect the ones we love. Dripping with blood and pus, its queer body horror told in the grindhouse tradition - with all the naked flesh and shocking violations of a classic midnight movie.

“I’m thrilled Momentum Pictures have come aboard to help unleash SWALLOWED into the world. It’s a slimy wild ride, and their passion for the project has been there since the moment they first watched it,” said Carter Smith.

“As evidenced by its enthusiastic reception at festivals worldwide, Carter's creative storytelling brings a fresh perspective to the genre. We are excited to work with XYZ to bring Carter's unique vision to audiences everywhere,” said Ian Goggins, Momentum Pictures’ EVP Global Home Entertainment.

Writer and director Smith is perhaps best known for directing THE RUINS for Dreamworks as well as Sundance selection JAMIE MARKS IS DEAD. He most recently directed THE PASSENGER for Blumhouse which is slated for release in 2023. 

Smith, Noah Lang, Helio Campos, and Ross O’Connor produced with Evan Buxbaum as executive producer. Smith’s All the Dead Boys produced in association with Witchcraft Motion Picture Company and LEROI.

Momentum Pictures is targeting February 14, 2023 to release the film that is currently wrapping its festival tour.

XYZ’s Pip Ngo negotiated the deal with Momentum on behalf of the filmmakers.

Smith is represented by UTA.

About XYZ Films:    

XYZ Films is an independent studio whose mission is to empower visionary storytellers from every corner of the planet. As a producer, financier and distributor, the company is uniquely suited to identify talented filmmakers and bring their stories to life. XYZ recently expanded into talent management, working with a global roster of
filmmakers. XYZ was founded in 2008 by Nate Bolotin, Nick Spicer, and Aram Tertzakian. The company’s titles include THE RAID franchise, 2017 Sundance winner I DON'T FEEL AT HOME IN THIS WORLD ANYMORE, and Panos Cosmatos' psychedelic revenge thriller MANDY.   

About Momentum Pictures, an Entertainment One Company

Momentum Pictures is focused on distributing multiplatform film, television and special interest content in the U.S. and around the world.