The Realm of Eldervin Secures International Sales Deal With Black Mandala

A grounded, atmospheric fantasy world emerges as The Realm of Eldervin finds international backing.

British Fantasy Feature ‘The Realm of Eldervin’ Lands Black Mandala Deal

Per Deadline. Black Mandala has acquired international sales rights to The Realm of Eldervin, a British fantasy feature from filmmaker Oliver Hollingdale, marking the latest genre pickup for the Auckland-based distributor known for championing atmospheric, filmmaker-driven projects.

Set within a mystical world defined by decay and quiet menace, The Realm of Eldervin follows Jonas, a troubled practitioner of magic who assembles a small band of outsiders to investigate a creeping corruption overtaking a remote village. Joined by a rogue, an elf, and an assassin, the group ventures into haunted forests and forgotten ruins, only to uncover that the spreading darkness may be tied directly to their own buried histories.

The film stars Craig Standen, Tess Dimos, Lewis Sycamore, and Martin Portlock, who recently drew attention for his appearance as “The Witch” on Britain’s Got Talent and his role as Peter Pan in Neverland Nightmare. Veteran actor Jason Flemyng lends voiceover narration to the project, adding a mythic weight to the story’s unfolding journey.

Hollingdale describes the film as a deliberately restrained take on fantasy, favoring mood, character, and emotional grounding over spectacle. He cites influences ranging from The Lord of the Rings to The Green Knight and The Fountain, aiming to present magic as something ancient, intimate, and inseparable from the natural world. According to the director, the landscape of Eldervin itself functions as a living presence, shaped through natural light, handcrafted textures, and moments of quiet surrealism.

The production features costume work by Norse Dragon Armoury, cinematography by Morgan Andrews, and an original score by Siddhartha Barnhoorn. Palm Haven Studios and Morgan Films supported the project.

Founded in 2017 by Michael Kraetzer and Nicolas Onetti, Black Mandala has built a catalog of more than 150 titles, specializing in independent horror and genre cinema. With The Realm of Eldervin, the company adds a mythic fantasy with darker undertones to its growing international slate.