Lilly Wachowski Joins Jenna Kanell’s Sci-Fi Thriller ‘DE NOVO’ as Three Genre Films Head to AFM
Lilly Wachowski Joins Jenna Kanell’s Sci-Fi Thriller ‘DE NOVO’ as Narrative Global Sales Unveils Three AFM Genre Films
Lilly Wachowski has joined the upcoming science-fiction thriller DE NOVO as an executive producer through Anarchists United, alongside Sarah Marie Flores and Lawrence Mattis. The film, written and directed by TERRIFIER actress Jenna Kanell, is among three genre projects being introduced to international buyers by Narrative Global Sales at the American Film Market (AFM).
Currently in post-production, DE NOVO follows Jonah, a reclusive scientist researching fungi who discovers that she is trapped inside a simulation following a mysterious cosmic event. As she attempts to understand her circumstances, Jonah realizes that the simulation is powered by the very system she helped create.
Kanell, who also stars in the film, is joined by Justin Chien (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Alexis Louder (Copshop) and Frank Crim (Dexter).
James Ward Byrkit, the writer and director of the 2013 independent science-fiction thriller COHERENCE, has also joined the project as an executive producer.
Wachowski, best known for co-creating THE MATRIX franchise alongside Lana Wachowski, brings an extensive background in science-fiction filmmaking to the production. Her involvement follows a career exploring simulated realities, identity and the relationship between technology and human experience.
DE NOVO is produced by Thang Ho and T.C. Barrera, Kanell's partners at HOCA Studio, alongside Ahbra Perry, vice president of Chroma, a genre-focused label dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers.
The film is one of three projects Narrative Global Sales is presenting at AFM through Chroma, with the company's slate also including the horror features FATHER FIGURE and STABBIEST SEASON.
FATHER FIGURE, which won the Fantastic Pitches competition at Fantastic Fest 2026, is written and will be directed by Connor Martin. The story follows a young couple whose plans to elope are interrupted by a death cult attempting to resurrect the groom's deceased father.
Josh Farnsworth is attached as producer, with production currently targeted for 2027.
The project arrives at the market following its recognition at Fantastic Fest, where the annual Fantastic Pitches competition provides emerging filmmakers with an opportunity to present genre concepts to industry professionals.
Narrative Global Sales will also introduce STABBIEST SEASON, a holiday-themed slasher written and directed by Jack McDermott.
The film follows a group of young partygoers whose Christmas Eve celebration turns deadly when a mythical killer known as Anti-Claus begins targeting the gathering. Forced to work together, the survivors must escape the holiday massacre before becoming the killer's next victims.
McDermott will also produce alongside Olivia Simon, with Alex Williams serving as executive producer. Like FATHER FIGURE, STABBIEST SEASON is expected to begin filming in 2027.
The three projects represent different approaches to independent genre filmmaking, ranging from the simulated-reality mystery of DE NOVO to the cult-centered horror of FATHER FIGURE and the seasonal slasher premise of STABBIEST SEASON.
Narrative Global Sales, a recently launched company operating in the United States and United Kingdom, is handling international sales for the projects through its Chroma genre label.
With DE NOVO already in post-production and the remaining two films preparing for production next year, the slate provides buyers with a combination of completed-stage and developing genre projects.
Distribution arrangements and release dates for DE NOVO, FATHER FIGURE and STABBIEST SEASON have not yet been announced.
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