CATALYST STUDIOS AND SEISMIC RELEASING SET DOMESTIC THEATRICAL RELEASE FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR DRAMA BROKEN BIRD
Starring Rebecca Calder and James Fleet and directed by Joanne Mitchell; Critically acclaimed film to open nationwide in U.S. theaters April 24
Catalyst Studios and Seismic Releasing have set a nationwide domestic theatrical release for the critically acclaimed psychological horror drama BROKEN BIRD, starring Rebecca Calder (The Conjuring: Last Rites) and James Fleet (Scream of the Wolf), and directed by Joanne Mitchell. The film will open in U.S. theaters on April 24, 2026.
Written by Joanne Mitchell, Dominic Brunt, and Tracey Sheals, BROKEN BIRD is based on Mitchell’s short film Sybil and is produced by Zoe Stewart, Holly Levow, Mark Pennell, and Paul Kampf. With Jay Taylor, Sacharissa Claxton, and Jelena Moore rounding out the cast.
The film enjoyed a successful festival run earlier this year, earning critical acclaim for its haunting atmosphere and deeply affecting performances.
In BROKEN BIRD, a lonely mortician with a poetic soul (Calder), searches for love and belonging — but as grief and desire collide, her need for connection takes a disturbingly intimate turn.
Rebecca Calder was most recently seen by international audiences in the hit feature The Conjuring: Last Rites, portraying Janet Smurl. Her recent film credits also include Kandahar, opposite Gerard Butler, and Memory, starring Liam Neeson.
James Fleet is a veteran actor whose recent credits include Operation Mincemeat, Scream of the Wolf, Bridgerton, and The Devil’s Hour.
Director Joanne Mitchell is a writer, producer, and filmmaker best known for emotionally driven, character-led storytelling, often working within gothic drama and horror. BROKEN BIRD, her debut feature, premiered as the opening film at London’s FrightFest, screened at the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, and was nominated for the Emerging Raven Award at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF). Rebecca Calder received the Best Actor award at the Independent European Film Festival for her performance as Sybil.
Mitchell’s first directing project was the short film Sybil, followed by The Outing, before expanding Sybil into her debut feature, BROKEN BIRD. In 2017, she was a finalist for Screen International/FrightFest’s Rising Star Award.
“Broken Bird is exactly the kind of bold, character-driven filmmaking that defines Catalyst Studios,” said Holly Levow, Executive Lead and Co-Founder of Catalyst Studios. “Joanne Mitchell has crafted a haunting and emotionally resonant film that stays with you long after the credits roll, and Rebecca Calder delivers a truly unforgettable performance. We’re thrilled to bring this powerful debut to audiences nationwide.”
Recent Catalyst Studios titles include the boxing drama UNDERCARD, starring Wanda Sykes; the thriller FOLLOW ME, starring Connie Nielsen; the Spanish magical realism drama ALIX, starring Cristal Aparicio; the action-adventure SWITCH & BAIT, with Otmara Marrero; and the action title VERIFIED TARGET, starring Dominika Walo. With its blend of gothic atmosphere, psychological tension, and intimate character study, BROKEN BIRD continues Catalyst Studios’ commitment to releasing elevated genre films that place complex, emotionally driven storytelling at the forefront of the theatrical experience.
About Seismic Releasing
Seismic Releasing is an innovative film distribution company dedicated to empowering filmmakers, rights holders, and content creators with tailored theatrical release strategies and vibrant marketing campaigns.
