In a groundbreaking move that's sure to send shivers down your spine, ABERRANCE has achieved a historic milestone as the first Mongolian horror feature film to grace theaters across the United States. Directed by Baatar Batsukh, ABERRANCE made its North American premiere at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival and garnered positive reviews as an Official Selection in the Midnighters section. This cinematic gem introduces Mongolian cinema to new audiences and offers a fresh perspective on the horror genre.
ABERRANCE plunges viewers into a world of suspense and terror as it unravels the eerie tale of Erkhmee and Selenge, city dwellers who venture into an old cabin deep in the Mongolian wilderness. What should have been a peaceful retreat takes a dark turn as a sense of foreboding settles over the couple. Erkhmee's seemingly benevolent intentions to create a safe haven for his artistic wife clash with the disturbing actions and mannerisms observed by their curious neighbor. As this mysterious neighbor delves deeper into the enigma of Erkhmee's aberrant behavior, more questions and trouble emerge, setting the stage for a spine-tingling horror experience.
ABERRANCE boasts an ensemble cast of talented Mongolian actors, including Selenge Chadraabal, Erkhembayar Ganbat, Yalalt Namsrai, Oyundary Jamsranjav, Badamtsetseg Batmunkh Bayarsanaa Batchuluun, and Ariunbyamba Sukhee. The film's powerful performances add depth and intensity to the gripping storyline, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the film.
This cinematic milestone is the theatrical directing debut of Baatar Batsukh, who also co-wrote the film alongside Erdene Orosoo and Byambasuren Ganbat. The collaboration of these creative minds has birthed a unique and haunting cinematic experience that showcases the talent and storytelling prowess of Mongolian cinema.
The film was produced by Enkhmandakh Nemekhbaatar and executive produced by Angarag Sukhbaatar, Trevor Morgan Doyle, and Alexa Khan of Three Flames Pictures and Team Hero Production. Their dedication to bringing Mongolian cinema to international audiences is evident in the success of ABERRANCE.
"As a Mongolian and American filmmaker, I am honored to see our film being distributed theatrically in the US," expressed Alexa Khan of Three Flames Pictures. "It is a milestone to celebrate and exciting to contribute to the AAPI filmmaking community that is making marks in the US."
Trevor Morgan Doyle of Three Flames Pictures, a Gulf War veteran and film producer, shared his gratification at achieving the ambitious goal of securing theatrical distribution for a Mongolian film. He emphasized their long-term commitment to gaining recognition for Mongolian cinema and artists, paving the way for a bright future in the world of filmmaking.
The distribution deal for ABERRANCE was negotiated by Freestyle Digital Media, acquired from Raven Banner on behalf of filmmakers Trevor Doyle and Alexa Khan of Three Flames Pictures. This deal signifies a promising future for Mongolian cinema, as it opens doors to international audiences and brings forth the potential for more groundbreaking films to captivate and terrify global viewers.
ABERRANCE marks a significant milestone not only for Mongolian cinema but for the entire world of horror films. Its success at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival and its theatrical release in the United States represent a thrilling chapter in the story of international cinema. As Mongolian filmmakers like Baatar Batsukh and their dedicated partners continue to break new ground, we can look forward to more innovative and bone-chilling films that will leave audiences craving more from this emerging cinematic powerhouse.