Saban Films Finalizing Deal to Acquire Rights to Alejandro Hidalgo’s Horror Drama “The Exorcism of God”

Alejandro Hidalgo’s could exorcise American audiences in the near future…

Saban Films is finalizing a deal to acquire The Exorcism of God, a horror drama from the Venezuelan filmmaker.

Alejandro Hidalgo

The news came ahead of the film’s premiere at Fantastic Fest on Monday.

Saban Films will handle the film’s distribution in the U.S., as well as in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and South Africa, with XYZ Films continuing to oversee international sales in other territories.

Alejandro Hidalgo's Exorcism of God

The feature, set in an isolated Mexican town, follows Father Peter Williams (Will Beinbrink), an American exorcist who becomes possessed by the Devil, subsequently committing a terrible sacrilege. 18 years later, the consequences of his sin come back to haunt him, unleashing a battle within.

Hidalgo co-wrote the script with Santiago Fernández Calvete, with María Gabriela de Faría and Joseph Marcell co-starring.

Hidalgo and Epica Pictures, Inc.’s Joel Seidl produced the film, with producers Karim Kabche and Antonio Abdo of Kabche Film Productions serving as its financiers.

“Alejandro Hidalgo is a mighty directorial force in the Latin American horror genre,” said Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley. “We are excited to share this fascinating and frightening film of his with an American audience.”

“Releasing our film in theaters and digital platforms in the US has always been a dream,” added Hidalgo. “We feel beyond excited to make it happen hand in hand with such a wonderful team as XYZ and Saban Films.”

First Trailer Released for HBO Max’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion” Featuring Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali is back in Bel-Air

The first trailer has been released to the 41-year-old half-Afro-Panamanian actress’ upcoming The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion.

Tatyana Ali

Will Smith posted the trailer for the special, which will debut on HBO Max on Thursday, November 19.

A highlight of the trailer features the surprise appearance of actress Janet Hubert, who played the NBC comedy’s original Aunt Viv and has, over the many years since, made her anger over the decision well known.

“I couldn’t celebrate 30 years of Fresh Prince without Janet,” Smith tells the surprised other members of the reunited cast.

In addition to Smith, Ali and Hubert, the unscripted special, shot on the old sitcom set, features Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Alfonso Ribeiro as well as recurring co-star DJ Jazzy Jeff. The cast also pays tribute to the late James Avery, who played patriarch Philip. Avery died in 2013.

Taped on the 30th anniversary of the original series premiere date, the special also includes a candid sit-down chat between Smith and Hubert, their first in 27 years.

Produced by Westbrook Media, the reunion will launch exclusively on HBO Max on November 19. HBO Max is the exclusive SVOD home of the full original series library in the US, debuting on the platform when it launched in May. Marcus Raboy directs the special. Raphael Saadiq serves as executive music producer.

Smith also is developing a Fresh Prince drama reboot at Peacock.

María Gabriela de Faría to Star in the Indie Horror Drama “The Exorcism of God”

María Gabriela de Faría has found a reason to scream…

The 26-year-old Venezuelan actress, singer, model, and dancer will star in the indie horror drama, The Exorcism of God.

María Gabriela de Faría

She’ll star opposite Will BeinbrinkJoseph Marcelland Eric Roberts in the film.

Alejandro Hidalgois directing the film, which is set in Mexico and follows Father Peter Williams (Beinbrink), an American exorcist who becomes possessed by the Devil he was trying to expel and is forced against his will to commit a terrible sacrilege. Fifteen years later, the consequences of his sins come back to haunt him, unleashing a terrifying battle. 

Hidalgo, who directed the Venezuelan horror film, The House at the End of Time, will also produce this project alongside executive producer Joel Seidlthrough their newly created company, Epica Pictures INC

de Feria’s previous credits include appearances in television on Deadly Class, and on film in Plan V.