New Look De Laurentiis Company Works with 10th Man Photos, Headwear and Film Bridge for Historical Horror Film “Xelter” – AFM

EXCLUSIVE: Film Bridge International launches a horror sale at AGS Shelterwhose manufacturers include The De Laurentiis Company (Hannibal) and headdress films (Talk to me).

The historical horror film directed by Martin Bonnici is currently in production in Malta. In addition to a cast of Maltese newcomers, there are actors such as Brit Bobby Schofield (The Bund) and Irish actor Moe Dunford (Vikings).

Set during World War II, the film tells the legend of Babaw, a supernatural being known for stalking and killing children. Inspired by true historical events, the film shows citizens of Malta seeking refuge from Nazi bombing in the ancient catacombs beneath the cities, where their lives are threatened by collapsing tunnels and incursions. This experience left a mark on a generation and gave rise to stories of creatures stealing children who had strayed too far from their parents.

The screenplay was written by Scottish screenwriter and comic artist Emma Beeby and is based on a story Beeby co-wrote with Gordon Rennie. Above is a first image from the film.

The project was developed and produced by 10th Man Pictures, the Maltese company founded by American producer Noah C. Haeussner (Arctic) and Joe Azzopardi and Martin Bonnici from Malta. The production team is joined by The De Laurentiis Company (Hannibal), Ka-Boom films, headdress films (Talk to me) and Filmbridge International.

The De Laurentiis Company is a brand with a rich film history founded by La Strada And Nights of Kabiria Manufacturing magnate Dino De Laurentiis and his wife Martha. After moving to Hollywood, the company shot, among other things, cult genre films Conan the Barbarian and the original duneand then studio films like Hannibal And red dragon.

After the death of producer Martha De Laurentiis in 2021, the company is now led by Martha and Dino’s daughter Dina, with producer Ed Wacek as president of production. Shelter is actress Dina’s first film as a producer for the cult company. The label is still a star at Universal, still operating out of the backyard bungalow where the company has been based since 1999.

Martha’s last film was Universal’s Fire starter, a remake by De Laurentiis and the 1984 original from the same studio. The family also includes film and television characters Raffaela De Laurentiis, Aurelio De Laurentiis and Giada De Laurentiis.

Producers continue Shelter are Noah C. Haeussner, Joe Azzopardi and Dina De Laurentiis. The film is produced by Ed Wacek of De Laurentiis Company, Phil Hunt and Compton Ross of Head Gear Films, Zach Willis of Ka Boom Films, and Ellen Wander and Jordan Dykstra of Film Bridge International. Patrick Selzer is co-producer.

Dina De Laurentiis said: “I first saw Malta as a little girl when my parents were filming the World War II thriller U-571 This film touched me a lot. Shelter captures the horrors of war from a child’s perspective, but also the horrors that arise in a child’s imagination.”

Haeussner said: “I had scouted Malta for other projects and when Martin first introduced the film to me I knew it had to be a truly global film.” This island is a fantastic place to film and the catacombs we filmed in are spectacular and sometimes beyond disturbing. It was a great honor to help Maltese people tell their stories.”

Jordan Dykstra of Film Bridge International added: “We are delighted to present a completely original genre piece with a unique vision. Shelter is exactly the kind of genre film audiences crave.”