September 14, 2012 - 19:15 AMT
Cinedigm nabs mystery director’s “Come Out and Play” horror

Cinedigm Entertainment Group has acquired U.S. distribution rights to horror film Come Out and Play and is aiming for an early 2013 theatrical release, followed by a rollout on VOD and other digital platforms, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Directed by Belarus-born Makinov, the English-language film follows a couple, played by Vinessa Shaw and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who venture to a remote island following the birth of their child only to discover it's inhabited only by children. They are left to uncover the mystery of why the adults have disappeared, and a day in paradise quickly turns into a struggle for survival.

Makinov -- a moniker -- is a mystery unto his own: Cloaking his true identity, he wore a mask while directing the film in order to separate his ego from the process.

Come Out and Play premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is produced by Canana Films.

“We'll admit that at first we didn't know what to make of Makinov,” said Cinedigm vice president of theatrical acquisitions Vincent Scordino. “That confusion ended upon seeing this provocative film. We can’t wait to introduce it to horror audiences, as well as anyone considering having children.”

“Canana is very excited to be working with a company that shares similar ideas and a passion for innovation,” says Canana’s Pablo Cruz. "We can't wait to see our film released in the U.S. by Cinedigm. And we know Makinov will be as happy as we are.”

The filmmakers were represented in the negotiation by Cinetic Media, and for Cinedigm by Scordino.