WTFilms Acquires Global Rights to Horror Thriller
Sales rights to the English-language thriller The Temple go to WTFilms ahead of its American Film Market launch.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Foreign
WTFilms has acquired international sales rights to The Temple, an English-language horror thriller starring Daniel Zolghadri and Cory Michael Smith. The company will launch the film at the American Film Market later this year.
Why it matters
The deal positions The Temple for distribution beyond its production base as the film finishes post-production. Its placement at the American Film Market puts the project before international buyers.
The Temple is the fifth feature from directors Calvin Thomas and Yonah Lewis, with WTFilms holding international sales rights. Financial terms, territories, and box office expectations were not disclosed in the announcement.
The players
WTFilms
WTFilms is the Paris-based sales company that acquired international rights to The Temple and is presenting the film at the American Film Market.
Elevation Pictures
Elevation Pictures is a Canadian distributor handling the domestic release of The Temple in Canada.
The details
The Temple follows an orphaned millionaire who seeks contact with his dead parents in an abandoned church. Produced by Babe Nation Films and Lisa Pictures, the film was shot in Canada and co-written by Lev Lewis, and Elevation Pictures is handling its Canadian release.
Timeline
Late 2026: WTFilms launches The Temple at the American Film Market.
Industry Dynamics
Independent genre films such as The Temple commonly rely on the American Film Market to sell international rights before release. Sales companies like WTFilms use the market to secure territories when a film is still finishing post-production.
Viewers will see The Temple only after its distributors set release windows, and the Canadian release is being handled by Elevation Pictures. Availability in other territories will depend on the deals WTFilms closes at the American Film Market.
The takeaway
Independent genre films often reach audiences through a chain of regional deals, so release timing can differ widely by country. Following sales announcements from markets like the AFM is a useful way to track when a film may become available.
Further reading
Explore more international coverage in Foreign film news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Screen.
