TIFF horror film 'Kick On' scores worldwide sales ahead of premiere

Blue Finch acquires worldwide rights to 'Kick On' ahead of its Toronto Midnight Madness world premiere debut

Blue Finch Films has secured worldwide sales rights, excluding Australia and New Zealand, for the action-horror feature Kick On, ahead of its world premiere in the Midnight Madness section of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The U.K.-based sales and distribution company will introduce the film to buyers during TIFF’s newly launched industry market. Australian distributor Umbrella Entertainment has separately acquired distribution rights for Australia and New Zealand.

Directed by Nick Kozakis, Kick On follows four friends whose night out descends into chaos after they become trapped inside a drug-fuelled hideout controlled by a mobster’s volatile son. As paranoia, violence and betrayal escalate, the group must fight to survive in a brutal battle for their lives.

The cast includes Markella Kavenagh (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Nikolai Nikolaeff (Stranger Things), Ras-Samuel (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and Jacek Koman (Conclave). The screenplay was written by Phil Klimek.

Kozakis, whose previous feature Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism won recognition at the Sitges Film Festival, described Kick On as an intense genre film packed with action, horror and dark humour that is designed to deliver an unforgettable audience experience.

Blue Finch Films' Mike Chapman praised the project as an unpredictable, Gen Z-led horror film that showcases Kozakis as one of Australia’s emerging filmmaking talents.

Produced by Stephanie Troost and Simon Bell under their independent banner Fableist Films, Kick On marks the company's debut feature. The producers said premiering at Toronto’s Midnight Madness programme aligns with their goal of creating bold, communal cinematic experiences, while highlighting the studio’s commitment to supporting ambitious genre filmmakers.