Vancouver based Filmoption International has announced that celebrated genre producer Peter Phok has officially boarded the feature film LUCID as executive producer ahead of the European Film Market. The announcement comes as Filmoption prepares to take the film to market next month, building momentum for a project that has steadily gained attention on the international festival circuit. LUCID, directed by Deanna Milligan and Ramsey Fendall, continues to position itself as a bold, auteur-driven genre film with growing cult potential.
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Festival Momentum and Market Expansion
LUCID first made waves with its world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival, followed by its U.S. debut at Brooklyn Horror. The film also screened at Noam Faenza in Italy for its European premiere and was recently announced as part of the early wave selection at the Chattanooga Film Festival in Tennessee. These strategic festival appearances have amplified the film’s reputation as a daring and highly tactile genre experience that resonates with adventurous audiences. With Filmoption handling world sales and Canadian distribution, the team aims to capitalize on this momentum at EFM by connecting with international distributors eager to champion distinctive independent cinema.
A Natural Creative Alignment
Directors Deanna Milligan and Ramsey Fendall describe their collaboration with Peter Phok as more than professional alignment, calling it a creative kinship. After meeting Phok at the Frontières Market during Fantasia, they hoped he would connect with the film’s spirit. What followed was a partnership rooted in shared values and a punk rock approach to filmmaking. Phok’s longstanding commitment to bold, filmmaker-driven projects made him an ideal addition as LUCID moves toward its next phase of release and global exposure.
Phok himself sees the project as a reminder of why independent cinema continues to matter. He has praised the film’s intimacy and uncompromising tone, noting the directors’ emotional rawness and tactile craftsmanship. His support signals confidence in the film’s artistic strength and market potential.
Peter Phok’s Genre Legacy
Peter Phok is widely recognized for his collaborations with writer and director Ti West, producing genre favorites such as In a Valley of Violence, The Sacrament, The Innkeepers, and The House of the Devil. More recently, he served as executive producer on A24’s acclaimed X trilogy, including X, Pearl, and MaXXXine. His credits also include Dear Zoe and The Sacrifice Game, while he continues developing new projects such as Background Noise and Cottagecore. Phok’s involvement with LUCID strengthens its profile within the genre community and reinforces its standing as a filmmaker-driven horror and fantasy project.
Inside the Dreamscape of LUCID
LUCID centers on Mia, an art student on the verge of expulsion who turns to a mysterious lucid dreaming elixir in a desperate attempt to overcome her creative block. While the potion reignites her artistic drive, it also unleashes monstrous manifestations from her subconscious. Among them is a terrifying transformation of her mother into a hairy creature that Mia must confront. Blurring the boundaries between psychological horror and surreal fantasy, the film unfolds within a dreamlike universe shot on 35 mm and Super 8, giving it a grainy, tactile aesthetic reminiscent of 1990s art punk cinema.
The cast includes Caitlin Acken Taylor, Georgia Acken, Amber Dandelion, John Luna, and Vivian Vanderpuss of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame, who designed and performs in the striking hair monster costume. The result is a film that merges performance art, horror imagery, and deeply personal storytelling into a vivid visual experience.
Creative Team and Production
Deanna Milligan, a veteran Canadian actor with extensive film and television credits, brings visceral and emotionally charged storytelling to her directorial work. Her collaborator Ramsey Fendall, a cinematographer and visual artist known for Seymour and Skatopia: 88 Acres of Anarchy, contributes his expertise in shooting on film formats such as 35 mm and 16 mm. Their partnership gives LUCID its distinctive aesthetic and immersive atmosphere.
The film was produced by Emanuel Foucault and composed by Marta Jaciubek-McKeever, whose musical background adds an ethereal dimension to the narrative. LUCID also features contributions from James Wollam of Tears for Fears and acclaimed guitarist Ayla Tesler Mabe. Shot in Victoria, British Columbia, the project was made possible with support from Telefilm Canada and Creative BC.
Filmoption’s Role in Global Distribution
Founded in 1975, Filmoption International has built a reputation as a boutique distributor and production company specializing in bold, auteur-driven cinema. Based in Montreal, the company manages domestic and international distribution, sales, and marketing for a diverse slate of award-winning films. Its recent titles include I Shall Not Hate, Anna Kiri, CAMP, Who I Am Not, and Bedrock. Filmoption’s involvement in LUCID ensures the film is positioned strategically within the global marketplace, particularly among audiences seeking innovative genre storytelling.
With Peter Phok now onboard and a strong festival track record behind it, LUCID stands poised to make a significant impact at EFM and beyond. Blending psychological horror, surreal imagery, and personal exploration, the film exemplifies the fearless spirit of contemporary independent cinema.
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