Blumhouse horror-thriller Stephanie to haunt opening night of Overlook Film Festival

The Overlook Film Festival announced today that the horror event’s opening night film will be the new Blumhouse horror-thriller Stephanie, which is receiving its world premiere at the event. The film is set in the not-too-distant future when, following a global crisis, the titular young character is left alone in her remote home while a dark supernatural force looms in the background. After her mother and father return to claim her, the malevolent power spins out of control.

Stephanie stars Frank Grillo, Anna Torv, and Shree Crooks. The film is written by Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski, directed by Akiva Goldsman, and produced by Jason Blum. After the screening, Goldsman and Blum will take part in a Q&A and then screen their favorite movie from the Paranormal Activity franchise, on which the pair previously collaborated. The festival is also giving its inaugural Visionary Award to Blumhouse Productions.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Stephanie as the Opening Night film on this first year of the festival,” said festival co-director Michael Lerman in a statement.

“With this film, Akiva Goldsman has crafted a horror thriller that’s going to take audiences to unexpected places. We’re proud to be its site of premiere,” added festival co-director Landon Zakheim.

The Overlook Film Festival takes place April 24-30 at the Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood, Oregon, which was featured in Stanley Kubrick’s classic Stephen King adaptation, The Shining. Previously announced films include Ana Lily Amirpour’s The Bad Batch, Álex de la Iglesia’s The Bar, Mickey Keating’s Psychopaths, Robert Mockler’s Like Me, and Joe Lynch’s Steven Yeun-starring Mayhem.