Archive · 3 Sep 2025
Dark Sky Films to Release 'Mārama' in North America
Imagine a movie about a young woman from New Zealand who travels to England and discovers a dark family secret.
This film, called 'Mārama', is a gothic horror story set in the 1800s.
Dark Sky Films and Watermelon Pictures will bring this movie to North America.
The movie features a Māori actress, Ariāna Osborne, and British actor Toby Stephens.
The story is about a woman fighting to reclaim her identity and culture.
The director plans to create a trilogy of Māori gothic horror stories.
The film is expected to be released in theaters in early 2026.
Dark Sky Films and Watermelon Pictures acquired North American distribution rights for 'Mārama'.
'Mārama' is a gothic horror film from Māori writer-director Taratoa Stappard.
The film stars Ariāna Osborne and Toby Stephens.
The film will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The North American release is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
- Who
- Dark Sky Films and Watermelon Pictures
- What
- Acquired North American distribution rights for the film 'Mārama'.
- When
- Film will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7th. North American release in the first quarter of 2026.
- Where
- North America, Victorian England, New Zealand
- Why
- To bring Indigenous storytelling to North American audiences.
- Film Title
- Mārama
- Director
- Taratoa Stappard
- Starring
- Ariāna Osborne, Toby Stephens
- Release Date
- First quarter of 2026 (North America)
- Production Companies
- The Sweetshop, Vendetta Films
- Distribution
- Dark Sky Films and Watermelon Pictures (North America)