Horror Film ‘Noise,’ Occult Toon ‘Exorcism Chronicles’ Sell for Korea’s Finecut Ahead of EFM

Korean sales powerhouse Finecut is ramping up its slate ahead of Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM), securing a raft of international deals for its animated occult thriller “Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning” and multi-sensory horror film “Noise.”

“Exorcism Chronicles,” which bows theatrically in Korea on Feb. 21, has been snapped up by Pro Films for Bulgaria, Polyband for German-speaking territories, Cineplex for Latin America, and Cola Films for Taiwan. The supernatural toon, adapted from a Korean literary sensation that moved 10 million copies and gained 238 million online views, follows a doctor-turned-priest protecting a supernaturally gifted child from dark forces within a mystical temple.

The project comes from animation house Locus Animation Studios, the outfit behind “Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs,” which saw theatrical rollouts in over 120 territories. “Exorcism Chronicles” has already built festival buzz following premieres at both Annecy and Sitges.

Meanwhile, Finecut has expanded the reach of “Noise,” its genre offering that weaves social commentary about residential noise disputes into its horror framework. Fresh territories include Cambodia (Westec Media), Japan (Twin), Latin America (Great Movies), Malaysia and Brunei (Antenna Entertainment), Poland (Media4Fun), Taiwan (Cai Chang International) and Vietnam (Lumix Media). These add to previously announced pickups by France’s KMBO, CIS’s Red Castle Group, Indonesia’s PT Prima Cinema Multimedia and Thailand’s Iris Cinema.

The feature debut of Cannes Cinefondation alum Kim Soo-jin stars Lee Sun-bin and Kim Min-seok in the story of a hearing aid user who encounters supernatural phenomena tied to her sister’s vanishing. The film, which competed in Sitges’ Panorama section, is slated for Korean release in May.

Finecut’s EFM slate also features Hong Sangsoo’s Berlinale Competition title “What Does That Nature Say to You” and “A Girl with Closed Eyes” starring “Pachinko” breakout Kim Minha. The company will additionally unveil first footage from “Tristes Tropiques,” the latest from action specialist Park Hoon-jung (“New World,” “The Witch” franchise).

The sales agent has also locked new deals on music drama “Secret: Untold Melody,” toplining K-pop star D.O. of EXO, with Great Movies (Latin America) and Westec Media (Cambodia) acquiring rights following its recent Korean theatrical run.