“Aberrance” Becomes First Mongolian Horror Film to Play US Theaters
In another first for international horror films, Freestyle Digital Media is releasing the Mongolian film Aberrance to North American theatres in October with a VOD release to follow in 2024. I can’t say I’m overly familiar with Mongolian cinema which tends to run towards dramas and historical films. As far as I know, the closest to a Mongolian genre film to get a release over here was The Demon, a Mongolian language film from Cambodia, and it went straight to Tubi.
Although the details are vague, the plot sounds interesting and the trailer looks promising. You can read the press release and check out a couple of stills and the trailer below while you wait for it to hit the theatres on October 6th.
LOS ANGELES, CA – September 13, 2023 – Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has acquired the North American theatrical rights and has set a theatrical release date for the Mongolian horror feature film, ABERRANCE, on October 6, 2023. The video on demand (VOD) and digital release will be in 2024. ABERRANCE marks an impressive milestone as the first Mongolian horror feature to be released theatrically in the U.S. introducing Mongolian cinema to new audiences.
The film had its North American premiere at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival to positive reviews as an Official Selection in the Midnighters section.
In ABERRANCE, when city dwellers Erkhmee and Selenge arrive at an old cabin deep in the Mongolian wilds, a sense of foreboding settles over the couple. Erkhmee’s seemingly keen desire to provide a safe and nurturing space for his artistic wife is at odds with the violent actions and mannerisms their quizzical neighbour observes. As the neighbour digs deeper for the reason behind this aberrant behaviour, only more questions and trouble arise.
ABERRANCE is the theatrical directing debut film by Baatar Batsukh who also co-wrote the film with Erdene Orosoo (Kinsman of the Sun) and Byambasuren Ganbat. The film stars an ensemble Mongolian cast of Selenge Chadraabal (Six Feet), Erkhembayar Ganbat, Yalalt Namsrai (Snowman), Oyundary Jamsranjav (Disorder), Badamtsetseg Batmunkh Bayarsanaa Batchuluun and Ariunbyamba Sukhee (Guardians). 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.
“As a Mongolian and American filmmaker, I am honoured to see our film being distributed theatrically in the US,” said Alexa Khan of Three Flames Pictures. “It is a milestone to celebrate and excited to contribute to the AAPI filmmaking community that is making the marks in the US.”
“As a Gulf War veteran and a film producer, setting a lofty goal of a theatrical distribution for a Mongolian film and having it realized is extremely gratifying,” said Trevor Morgan Doyle of Three Flames Pictures. “Our long-term plan is to get Mongolian cinema and artists the recognition that they deserve. We’re grateful and excited for the opportunity and for what the future holds!”
Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal to acquire ABERRANCE from Raven Banner on behalf of filmmakers Trevor Doyle and Alexa Khan of Three Flames Pictures.