The Coven picks French cannibal horror ‘Sunnyside’ for Auvergne shoot

**The Coven Secures French Horror Film ‘Sunnyside’ for Worldwide Sales**

The Coven, a French sales and production company, has officially boarded the French‑language horror feature *Sunnyside*. The film will begin principal photography in the Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alps region on September 14, 2026. Yoann Luis directs his debut feature after creating the short *100% Organic*.

*Sunnyside* is set in a dystopian world where humans are raised for food, exploring power dynamics and commodification through the lens of legalized cannibalism. “Sunnyside is part of the tradition of socially conscious genre cinema, where we examine power dynamics in society as humans become a resource,” Luis said.

“The legalization of cannibalism becomes a provocative metaphor for our relationships of domination, the commodification of bodies, and social and territorial divides.”

The cast includes Lucille Guillaume as Mads and Rod Paradot, a César‑award winner for Most Promising Male Actor in *Standing Tall* and a Molière‑award winner for Best New Actor in Florian Zeller’s *The Son*. Xavier Gens joins the project as an associate producer, having directed Netflix’s *Under Paris* and the series *Lupin*.

Paris‑based ESC Films will distribute the film theatrically in France.

## Background & Context

*Sunnyside* sits at the intersection of horror and social critique, a niche increasingly populated by films that use dystopia to examine contemporary anxieties. By framing humans as food, Luis turns a familiar horror trope into a commentary on exploitation and hierarchy.

The film’s premise echoes earlier works that question what it means to commodify life in a capitalist society.

Luis first explored this theme in his short *100% Organic*, where the roles of animal and human are inverted. The short’s narrative paved the way for *Sunnyside*’s broader, feature‑length examination of power dynamics.

Audiences who followed Luis through the short will find a deeper, more elaborate exploration of the same unsettling concepts.

## Production and Cast

The film’s ensemble features Lucille Guillaume, who portrays Mads, and Rod Paradot, whose accolades include a César for Most Promising Male Actor in *Standing Tall* and a Molière for Best New Actor in Florian Zeller’s *The Son*.

Production is handled by Block 8 Production (Luis and Axel Zeiliger) and EV.L Prod (Florent Steiner and Guillaume Natas), with executive producers Priscilla Ross Smith and Kendall Anlian of The Coven.

Principal photography kicks off on September 14, 2026, in the picturesque Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alps region of France. The choice of location underscores the film’s rustic, oppressive atmosphere.

Xavier Gens’ involvement as associate producer adds a layer of industry gravitas, given his track record with high‑profile Netflix projects and a 2007 *Hitman* hit that grossed over $100 million worldwide.

## Sales, Distribution, and Future Plans

The Coven will manage worldwide sales for *Sunnyside*, following its success as sales and executive producer on *Terrifier 3*, which grossed over $100 million globally. The company also launched a video game last November, *Terrifier: The ArtCade Game*, across major consoles and Steam .

“The Coven is originally a French company, and we have been looking for the perfect opportunity to invest and partner here,” said Smith.

Paris‑based ESC Films will handle theatrical distribution in France, bringing the film to audiences after releasing titles like *Red Rooms* and *Terrifier 2 & 3*. The Coven’s involvement promises a coordinated global launch, leveraging its recent experience in expanding franchise IP.

The partnership aims to position *Sunnyside* as both an artistic statement and a commercial venture.

*Sunnyside*’s arrival marks a bold entry into the horror landscape, marrying provocative social commentary with established genre appeal. With seasoned talent on board and a sales strategy rooted in past successes, the film is poised for international attention. The world will be watching when the cameras start rolling in September.