Los Angeles-based Great Escape is gearing up for the American Film Market (AFM) with the launch of sales for the upcoming horror film Monkey’s Magic Merry Go Round. The movie marks the first installment in the Terror Town genre slate and comes from producer Joe Swanberg and Yale Productions. 

The film stars Michael Gilio, known for his work on Dark Harvest and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and is directed by first-time feature filmmaker Aidan Leary. The world premiere is set for next month at the Leeds International Film Festival in the UK.

The movie follows James Jensen, a children’s show host whose repressed childhood memories resurface while filming an episode of Monkey’s Magic Merry Go Round, sending him into a downward spiral that threatens his mental health. As the synopsis teases, viewers will wonder whether his puppet co-stars, the Playground Pals, are helping or hiding the truth from him.

“I am blown away by what this team accomplished,” Great Escape’s Nicholas Donnermeyer said. “Leary and Thompson immediately announce themselves as bold new talents. This film is a trip. I can’t wait to see this with an audience.”

Levine and Beckerman of Yale Productions praised Gilio’s performance, highlighting the challenging nature of his role. “Michael did such an incredible job. So much of the film rests on his shoulders,” they said, adding that the puppets in the film are also a standout, feeling “instantly iconic.”

With Swanberg’s vast experience in indie filmmaking, including works like Drinking Buddies and Happy Christmas, Monkey’s Magic Merry Go Round looks to bring a unique horror experience to audiences worldwide.