AYLA, the new film from mononymous GUT director Elias, is a project we followed very closely during the pre-production and production stages, and last summer we shared the film's teaser, which can be seen below. Now we have some great news to share about the film: it has landed a distribution deal with Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen's Entertainment Studios, and will be receiving a VOD release in the U.S. next month.
Written by Elias, AYLA tells the story of
a man, Elton, left lost and damaged since he was a young boy by the unexplained death of his 4-year-old sister, Ayla. All throughout adulthood, Elton has mourned the life with her that could have been. Elton's days and nights are inhabited by the presence of a mysterious woman, and as his obsession with the woman grows, he becomes convinced she's his sister Ayla, returned now as an adult. Resolving to find her at all costs, Elton plunges further down a rabbit hole forged by his own loneliness and desire, but who or what will emerge?
In crafting this story, Elias drew inspiration from a personal family tragedy, the loss of his own sister. He has said that the film is about
what happens when you can't let go, how far into the dark you might reach to bring back someone you lost, and the ramifications that follow.
AYLA stars Nicholas Wilder as Elton, with Tristan Risk as Ayla. Their co-stars include Bill Oberst Jr., Dee Wallace, Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, Andrew Sensenig, Jennifer Lynn Warren, D'Angelo Midili, and Sarah Schoofs.
The film, a Clayface Pictures and The October People co-production, will be available to rent and own on digital HD across U.S. cable, internet, and satellite platforms as of April 3rd.
