Shudder, the AMC Networks subscription video-on-demand service featuring horror, thriller, and supernatural fiction titles, has shared a new trailer for Rita, the highly anticipated fourth feature from Guatemalan writer-director Jayro Bustamante (Ixcanul, La Llorona). Winner of the Best Cinematography Award at the Fantasia Film Festival, Rita will premiere on Shudder on November 22.
The dark fantasy movie, set in a magical realist world, is lensed by Peruvian-Chilean cinematographer Inti Briones and is based on the true story behind one of Guatemala’s most harrowing tragedies. Rita shines a light on the brave orphans whose fight for survival inspired a nationwide outcry for justice and reform.
While fleeing a neglectful household, thirteen-year-old Rita is placed in an oppressive state-run orphanage. Her arrival provides a glimmer of hope to the girls inside, who share a prophecy that an angel will appear to release them. Encouraged by one another, the girls plan an escape to claim their freedom and expose the orphanage’s abuses.
Starring Giuliana Santa Cruz, Alejandra Vasquez, Ángela Quevedo, Isabel Aldana, Sabrina de la Hoz, Margarita Kénefic, and Maria Telón, Rita features a cast of Guatemalan first-time performers. These young actors collaborated with Bustamante to develop their characters' backgrounds and elements of the film’s magical realism.
Watch the trailer:
