By MICHAEL GINGOLD
The timeless legend of Elizabeth Bathory, the “Blood Countess,” forms the basis of EXSANGUINATA, a new horrific short making its world premiere this weekend. Read on for the info and the exclusive trailer and photos.
Directed by Gretchen Heinel and produced by the band Sabbath Assembly and Saltpeter Filmworks, EXSANGUINATA stars Carolyn Weltman, Maidenfed, Luna Duran, Edana Jean, Lusid, Jamie Myers, David Christian and Marcuslikesit. According to the official synopsis, “The film reveals a noblewoman and her devotees perpetuating their power by preying upon her subjects. For each young victim, the rite of adolescence becomes a rite of death. And for the noblewoman—the Countess Bathory—the rite of death becomes a rite of adolescence. Roles reversed, through blood sacrifice.”
Doug Sakmann of Backseat Conceptions handled the production design and blood effects, and says, “I’ve been enthralled with the story of Bathory for a long time, so I was thrilled when Gretchen asked me to be a part of the project. Her unique take on the story sheds light on the blood rituals and Bathory’s relationship with her followers, and I was happy to provide Gretchen with the set elements and blood effects to tell that story properly.”
The film makes its premiere at the NJ Horror Con and Film Festival this Saturday, September 23 at 3:40 p.m. It will then be available on Vimeo On Demand for $1.11 to rent or $4.44 to download. Find out more about EXSANGUINATA at its official website.
