Black Mandala Secures Global Sales for J.M. Stelly’s Horror Trilogy

Deal Overview

New Zealand‑based sales company Black Mandala announced it will handle worldwide sales for three new horror titles from Anatomica Films. The three‑film package includes Within Madness, Vessel and The Thirteenth Gate, all written and directed by J.M. Stelly and produced alongside Johnny Stassi under the Anatomica banner.

The agreement was negotiated by Stelly and Black Mandala co‑founder Michael Kraetzer on behalf of Anatomica Films. It gives Black Mandala the exclusive right to market, sell and license the titles across all territories and platforms, from theatrical releases to streaming services.

What the agreement covers

• Territorial sales for theatrical, VOD and TV markets worldwide.
• Negotiation of distribution deals in key regions such as North America, Europe and Asia.
• Co‑ordination of festival premieres and promotional campaigns.
• Long‑term licensing strategies for ancillary markets, including home video and digital bundles.

Both parties see the partnership as a way to amplify the reach of independent horror content while leveraging Black Mandala’s established relationships with major distributors.

About the three titles

Stelly’s trio explores distinct facets of psychological terror, each with a unique visual style and narrative hook.

Within Madness

A claustrophobic thriller set in an abandoned mental institution, Within Madness follows a documentary crew that uncovers a series of unsolved disappearances. The film blends found‑footage techniques with classic suspense, creating an unsettling atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge.

Vessel

In Vessel, a marine biologist discovers a mysterious organism deep beneath the Pacific Ocean. As the creature’s influence spreads, the research team confronts a cascade of paranoia and bodily transformation. The movie has been praised for its practical effects and oceanic cinematography.

The Thirteenth Gate

The final entry, The Thirteenth Gate, is a supernatural mystery revolving around an ancient occult manuscript that promises to open a portal to another realm. Stelly weaves folklore and modern horror, delivering a narrative that rewards close attention to symbolic detail.

J.M. Stelly’s creative vision

J.M. Stelly has built a reputation for crafting tightly plotted horror experiences that balance visceral scares with psychological depth. His background includes work on several indie projects that have screened at genre festivals such as Sundance Film Festival and FrightFest.

Writing and directing style

Stelly favors practical effects over heavy CGI, a choice that adds tactile realism to his monsters and gore. He also employs a restrained color palette, often using muted tones to heighten tension. Critics have noted his skill at building dread through sound design and pacing rather than relying on jump scares.

Collaboration with producer Johnny Stassi has been a constant throughout the trilogy. The duo’s partnership allows for a seamless transition from script to screen, ensuring that the director’s vision is preserved during post‑production.

Black Mandala’s role in international sales

Founded in 2015, Black Mandala has quickly become a prominent player in the global genre market. The company’s portfolio includes titles that have secured distribution deals with major platforms such as Netflix, Shudder and Amazon Prime.

Company background

Black Mandala’s founder Michael Kraetzer, a former film festival programmer, leverages his network of buyers to position independent films in competitive markets. The firm’s New Zealand base provides access to government incentives administered by the New Zealand Film Commission, which can enhance a project’s financial attractiveness.

Strategic fit for the horror genre

The horror market has shown consistent growth in recent years, driven by audience appetite for immersive and low‑budget productions that deliver high returns. Black Mandala’s expertise in tailoring pitch materials to genre‑specific buyers makes it an ideal partner for Stelly’s trio, which blends classic horror motifs with contemporary storytelling.

Industry implications

The deal signals a broader trend of smaller sales agencies securing multi‑title packages from emerging directors. By bundling three films, Black Mandala can negotiate more favorable terms with distributors who seek a steady flow of content.

Market trends for horror

According to a recent report by Statista, horror films accounted for over 20 percent of global box‑office revenue in 2023, a figure that continues to rise as streaming platforms expand their genre libraries. The genre’s profitability is often attributed to lower production costs and strong fan communities.

Black Mandala’s acquisition aligns with this momentum, positioning the three titles to capitalize on both theatrical windows and the binge‑watch culture of streaming audiences.

Potential for New Zealand productions

The partnership also highlights the growing influence of New Zealand’s film ecosystem. With government support and a skilled local crew base, the country has become a hub for genre filmmaking. Successes such as What We Do in the Shadows and the recent surge in horror productions demonstrate the region’s capacity to deliver compelling content that resonates worldwide.

By securing global sales for Stelly’s films, Black Mandala reinforces the notion that New Zealand‑originated horror can compete on the international stage, encouraging further investment in local talent.

Key takeaways

1. Black Mandala now holds worldwide sales rights for Within Madness, Vessel and The Thirteenth Gate.
2. The films are written and directed by J.M. Stelly, with production support from Johnny Stassi.
3. Negotiations were led by Stelly and Black Mandala co‑founder Michael Kraetzer.
4. The partnership leverages Black Mandala’s genre expertise and New Zealand’s production incentives.
5. Industry analysts expect the horror market to continue its upward trajectory, providing a fertile environment for the trilogy’s launch.

Fans of atmospheric terror and inventive storytelling can look forward to the upcoming release schedule, which will be announced as Black Mandala finalizes distribution agreements across key territories.