Josh Giuliano Emerges as a Rising Star in Horror at TIFF
By Editor • September 11, 2026 • 1 min read
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has once again proven to be a launching pad for new talent, with director Josh Giuliano captivating audiences with his debut feature, "River." The film, which premiered in the festival's Midnight Madness section, tells the chilling tale of three estranged siblings trying to dispose of their father's ashes, only to find themselves pursued by a masked killer in a remote wilderness.
Giuliano's gripping storytelling has caught the attention of major players in the film industry. Blumhouse Atomic Monster, Focus Features, Divide/Conquer, and Spooky Pictures have already signed on to produce his next film, titled "Occupant." While details about the plot remain tightly under wraps, the buzz surrounding Giuliano's debut has drawn parallels to the paths of previous successful filmmakers such as Curry Barker and Kane Parsons, both of whom saw their careers skyrocket with their own TIFF premieres.
The momentum behind Giuliano's work can be traced back to industry connections made by Sam Zimmerman, who recently joined Blumhouse Atomic Monster. Zimmerman recognized Giuliano's talent from his short films and facilitated the meeting that led to this promising opportunity. This deal marks a significant achievement not just for Giuliano, but also for the Independent Film Company, which holds distribution rights to "River" and is poised to release it in theaters.
Source: www.indiewire.com
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