Surprise Dark Sky Films snags U.S. rights for Russell Goldman’s thriller Sender

**A new partnership brings a psychological thriller with an all‑star cast into U.S. theaters, positioning it for wide audience reach.** Dark Sky Films has taken on U.S. distribution rights for *Sender*, the debut feature of writer‑director Russell Goldman.

The deal was announced ahead of the film’s Los Angeles premiere at Beyond Fest and its European debut at the 59th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival.

**The film, starring Britt Lower, Rhea Sehorn, Anna Baryshnikov, David Dastmalchian, Utkarsh Ambudkar, and Jamie Lee Curtis (who also produces), follows Julia’s unsettling journey after mysterious packages begin arriving at her suburban home.** Lower plays Julia, a sober woman rebuilding her life.

As unmarked parcels she never ordered arrive, she turns to friends and a delivery driver to uncover who is behind the deliveries, leading her to a familiar figure played by Curtis.

**After its SXSW debut, *Sender* earned a marquee spot at the San Francisco International Film Festival and won jury prizes for Best Feature at the Sidewalk Film Festival and Chattanooga Film Festival.** The film’s success on the festival circuit set the stage for Dark Sky Films’ acquisition, marking a significant milestone for Goldman’s first feature.

## Background & Context

Russell Goldman’s script first appeared on the 2023 Black List of unproduced screenplays, signaling early industry interest. The screenplay evolved into a psychological thriller that has resonated with festival audiences.

Its blend of suspense, dark humor, and a strong ensemble cast positioned it well for both critical and commercial attention.

The production team includes executive producers Russell Goldman, Britt Lower, Akshay Shah, Thomas Grabinski, Paris Jones, and Andre Ray. Jamie Lee Curtis co‑produces alongside Molly Hallam and Jake Katofsky, reflecting a collaborative effort that brought the project from page to screen.

Matt Shreder of Concourse Media handles international sales, expanding the film’s global reach.

## What the Deal Means for the Film

The distribution agreement was negotiated by Greg Newman,

Executive Vice President of Dark Sky Films, with producers Jake Katofsky and Molly Hallam and writer‑director Russell Goldman. , “What drew us to *Sender* was how confidently Russell takes a familiar anxiety and turns it into something completely unexpected.” His comments highlight the film’s unique tone and strong casting.

Goldman expressed gratitude for the partnership, saying, “The dream of any filmmaker is finding a distributor that understands your film and wants to put it in front of as many eyeballs as possible.” He emphasized that *Sender* “isn’t the kind of film that fits neatly into a box,” underscoring the significance of Dark Sky’s vision for a nationwide theatrical release.

Justin DiPietro,

Executive Vice President of MPI Media Group, added, “Russell has made the kind of bold, original thriller that immediately gets under your skin and stays there.” DiPietro’s statement reflects confidence in the film’s potential to engage audiences in theaters, a goal Dark Sky aims to achieve with its biggest theatrical push yet.

## Future Release Plans

*Sender* will debut in Los Angeles at Beyond Fest, followed by its European premiere at Sitges. The film’s festival run has already earned it marquee status and jury accolades, positioning it for broader exposure. Dark Sky Films plans to leverage this momentum with a robust U.S. theatrical rollout, aiming to reach audiences nationwide.

The partnership with MPI Media Group and Concourse Media will support international sales, potentially extending the film’s reach beyond U.S. borders. The involvement of high‑profile talent and a seasoned distribution team suggests a concerted effort to maximize the film’s visibility across multiple platforms.

**With its festival successes, strong cast, and a dedicated distributor, *Sender* is poised to make an impact in U.S. theaters this year, offering audiences a fresh psychological thriller that blends tension with dark humor.**