EXCLUSIVE: New York indie distributor Monument Releasing has set a limited U.S. theatrical release for Scott Cummings’ Sundance documentary Realm of Satan and unveiled the first official trailer.
The film will begin its cinema run on July 17 in Philadelphia prior to opening in New York at the Nitehawk (Prospect Park) and Metrograph cinemas, and will then be made available nationwide from September 2 on digital platforms for transactional and rental.
MUBI has acquired the exclusive SVOD rights in the U.S. and Canada, and it will be on the service from October 3.
Exploring the world of the controversial Realm of Satan church, the documentary captures Satanists in both the everyday and the extraordinary, revealing their mystical world of magic, mystery, and misanthropy.
Cummings crafts each frame like a painting to allow the wild, elegant, and dynamic world of Satanists to unfold on screen.
The film premiered at Sundance in 2024 and has gone on to have a strong festival run, including opening MoMA’s Doc Fortnight and as well as playing at CPH:DOX, Visions du Reel, Sitges, Thessaloniki Doc, Munich, BAFICI, Rooftop Films, Overlook, and Festival du Nouveau Cinema de Montreal, among others.
The film stars Peter Gilmore, Blanche Barton, and Peggy Nadramia. It was produced by Pacho Velez (Searchers, The American Sector), Caitlin Mae Burke (We Could Be King, Fourteen), Molly Gandour (Peanut Gallery, GasLand).
“I’m thrilled to be working with Monument on the theatrical release of Realm of Satan, said Cummings. “The movie theater is a magical space, and this film demands that singular experience. Monument has stood behind and celebrated the uniqueness of this film and I am thrilled to bring audiences into our spell together.
“I have been a Mubi subscriber and cheerleader since their earliest day and found some of my favorite modern films through their impeccable curatorial vision. I couldn’t think of a better and more exciting partner to work with.”
Monument Releasing’s sister company Visit Films acquired world sales rights to the documentary ahead of its Sundance premiere. Other titles on Monument’s current slate include Hey Viktor! and Palindromes.
