Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller, and the supernatural, announced today that they have acquired Jayro Bustamante’s RITA ahead of its World Premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival. Written and directed by Bustamante, the film marks his fourth feature following the highly political and Golden Globe-nominated Shudder Original LA LLORONA (2019). RITA is set to release on the streamer on November 22, 2024.
RITA narrates the harrowing journey of thirteen-year-old Rita, who, while fleeing a neglectful household, finds herself in an oppressive state-run orphanage. Her arrival brings a glimmer of hope to the girls inside, who believe in a prophecy that an angel will come to release them. Encouraged by one another, they plan a daring escape to claim their freedom and expose the orphanage’s abuses of power. Based on a true story, RITA sheds light on one of Guatemala’s most tragic events, highlighting the bravery of orphans whose struggle for survival sparked a nationwide demand for justice and reform.
The film stars Giuliana Santa Cruz, Alejandra Vasquez, Ángela Quevedo, Isabel Aldana, Sabrina De La Hoz, Margarita Kénefic, and Maria Telón. The young actresses, selected from a national casting call that drew over five thousand applicants, are first-time performers who collaborated closely with Bustamante to develop their characters and contribute to the film’s use of magical realism.
“Working with Shudder from the beginning felt like the right connection, as I found a distributor that shares the belief that cinema is more than just entertainment or a commercial product,” said writer and director Jayro Bustamante. “Since we launched LA LLORONA, Shudder has shown a great ability to handle my films, making them available to viewers through various channels, recognizing that the genre in cinema can be used to generate a powerful, positive, and thought-provoking social impact.”
Shudder’s SVP of Acquisitions and Production Emily Gotto commented, “We are so proud to continue our work with Jayro, who has proven time and again to be a fearless filmmaker whose dedication to his homeland has put a spotlight on the rich talent and complicated history of Guatemala. RITA again demonstrates Jayro’s deft handling of the horror genre as a catalyst for powerful storytelling, and we can’t wait for the film to leave an impact on audiences.”
RITA is produced by Bustamante, Jonathan King for Concordia Studio, and Gustavo Matheu. The deal was negotiated by Jonathan Kier from Upgrade Productions on behalf of the filmmakers and Emily Gotto on behalf of Shudder.
