Sanctuary Pictures Unveils Punk-Horror Feature Penny Lane Is Dead

04 02 2025 - Media release Sanctuary Pictures Unveils Punk-Horror Feature Penny Lane Is Dead

Writer/Director of Penny Lane Is Dead, Mia'Kate Russell

Sanctuary Pictures and Screen Australia are thrilled to announce Penny Lane Is Dead, an electrifying Australian punk-horror written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Mia'Kate Russell (Maggie May, Liz Drives).

Set to launch at the European Film Market (EFM) in two weeks, the film is a high-energy blend of horror, action, and suspense, infused with the rebellious spirit of the 1980s.

Supported by Screen Australia, VicScreen, and ANZ distributor Umbrella Entertainment, Penny Lane Is Dead is produced by Julie Ryan (Late Night with the Devil), Ari Harrison (Talk to Me), and Andre Lima. Set during a scorching Australian summer in 1986, the film follows three teenage best friends whose celebratory night at a beach house spirals into a blood-soaked battle for survival after a prank takes a deadly turn.

This film is a rollercoaster ride of love and chaos set against the rebellious spirit of the 1980s, said writer-director Mia'Kate Russell. I'm excited to take audiences on this wild, unexpected journey with these girls and their crazy night at the beach.

Ari Harrison, Director and Owner of Sanctuary Pictures, said Mia'Kate infuses Penny Lane Is Dead with her unmistakable storytelling style, crafting a film that crackles with razor-sharp tension, raw emotion, and unflinching violence. This is a bold, relentless ride that will leave audiences breathless.

Screen Australia's Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, Penny Lane Is Dead is a gripping feature debut from Sanctuary Pictures, poised to launch Mia'Kate onto the global stage. With an exceptional creative team and riveting storytelling, this film has the potential to engage audiences both locally and internationally. Prepare to be taken on a high-octane ride of feminist-lensed terror.

Currently in casting, Penny Lane Is Dead is set to begin production in Q2 2025.

Production credit: A Sanctuary Pictures and Buffalo Media production, Penny Lane Is Dead is financed with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen. Local distribution by Umbrella Entertainment, with international sales handled by Upgrade. The film was developed with the assistance of the South Australian Film Corporation and Umbrella Entertainment.

Media Contact: Jasmin McSweeney | Head of Sales & Acquisitions (NZ), Umbrella Entertainment

[email protected]

Media enquiries Maddie Walsh | Publicist

61 2 8113 5915 | [email protected]

Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)

61 428 767 836 | [email protected]

All other general/non-media enquiries

Sydney 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

LINK:	https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/sa/media-centre/news/2025/02-04-pen...
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