Serbian Sci-Fi Epic ‘Sanctuary’ Acquired for U.S. Distribution

Vertical has acquired U.S. distribution rights to “Sanctuary,” an English-language, post-apocalyptic thriller starring “The Handmaid’s Tale’s” Nina Kiri.

According to the synopsis, “Sanctuary” is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, where the discovery of a cryogenically suspended woman provokes fear in a desperate village, sending a young warrior and the mysterious woman on a quest for a lost city and answers that could restore humanity.

Directed by Filip Kovačević (“Incarnation”), the film is produced by Đorđe Stanković, Filip Kovačević and Vukota Antunović for Void Pictures and TS Media, the production arm of telecommunications giant Telekom Srbija. It stars Kiri alongside Dutch actor Jonas Smulders (“Luka,” “Paradise Drifters”) and Serbia’s Darko Perić (“Money Heist”). World sales are being handled by Sublimity, which has also secured several other international deals.

Kovačević, who previously directed the 2016 action thriller “Incarnation,” described “Sanctuary” as an attempt to give “a fresh take on dystopian sci-fi, with an original story that takes place in a distinct ‘semi-far future.’” 

“The time is near enough so the events that led to the collapse of civilization are still relevant, but far enough that they have been shrouded in mystery and myth,” the director said. “The intent was to make an entertaining genre film that explores the cyclical nature of history and the individual’s role inside it.”

Variety has been given access to an exclusive teaser for the film, which you can watch here:

Producer Đorđe Stanković, of Belgrade-based Void Pictures, said that the filmmakers “set out to make an ambitious science-fiction film from Serbia that could speak to an international audience without losing its own identity.” 

“Producing the film was an enormous undertaking, but also proof that genre cinema of this scale can come from this part of Europe,” he said. “We’re incredibly proud of what the team created and excited for the film to now begin its journey to audiences around the world.”

Void’s Vukota Antunović added: “From the beginning, ‘Sanctuary’ was driven by a shared belief in the story and the world we were building. Bringing together an international and domestic cast and a remarkable Serbian crew allowed us to make something that feels both rooted here and genuinely global.”

The ambitious, English-language feature marks a big swing for Telekom Srbija’s TS Media. In a statement provided to Variety, the company said that “Sanctuary” “represents a notable shift in scale and ambition for Serbian production.”

“The film is also part of a wider strategic ambition: to move Serbian scripted production further into the international marketplace, not only as a filming destination but as a source of original IP, creative talent and globally marketable projects,” the statement read.

“With experienced international actors, an English-language screenplay, U.S. distribution already in place and global sales representation, the project offers a case study in how production companies from smaller European markets can approach international genre filmmaking from day one.” 

Commenting on the acquisition, Sublimity co-founder Alfredo Lara Orbezo said: “We’re thrilled to have secured key international distribution partners and a terrific U.S. home for a film of ‘Sanctuary’s’ scope and ambition. Its immersive world-building, remarkable production values and unforgettable performances carry the spirit of iconic sci-fi cinema.

“Bringing this film to market alongside Telekom and Void Pictures has been an incredible journey, and we’re proud to share it with audiences worldwide soon.”