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Blood Paradise

Reeling after her latest novel flops, a best-selling crime writer is sent by her publisher to the Swedish countryside to regain inspiration. Totally out of place in her new surroundings, she discovers just how dangerous farm life can be.

  • Patrick von Barkenberg
    Director
    Sun Dust
  • Patrick von Barkenberg
    Writer
    Sun Dust
  • Andrea Winter
    Writer
  • Andrea Winter
    Producer
  • Andrea Winter
    Key Cast
    "Robin Richards"
  • Rolf Brunnstrom
    Key Cast
    "The farmer"
  • Ingrid Hedstrom
    Key Cast
    "The sister"
  • Jakob Brunnstrom Hedstrom
    Key Cast
    "The son"
  • Lars Brunnstrom
    Key Cast
    "The uncle"
  • Martina Novak
    Key Cast
    "The Agent"
  • Patrick von Barkenberg
    Key Cast
    "Ted"
  • Christer Cavallius
    Key Cast
    "Hans Bubi"
  • Ellinor Berglund
    Key Cast
    "Elsa"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Horror, mystery, thriller, dark comedy
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 24 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 31, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    75,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Sweden
  • Country of Filming:
    Spain, Sweden, United States
  • Language:
    English, Swedish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Scary Movie XI, Film Society of Lincoln Center
    New York City
    United States
    August 18, 2018
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Molins de Rei Horror Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    Spanish Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Cinequest
  • Spooky Movie INt. Film Fest (AFI)
Distribution Information
  • Kino Lorber
    Distributor
    Rights: All Rights, Console / Handheld Device
  • Aspect Ratio
Director Biography - Patrick von Barkenberg

Patrick von Barkenberg is a German-born filmmaker with a deep passion for cinema. His love for movies began when he watched cowboy films with his grandfather, and it continued to grow as he discovered films like "Jaws" and "Angel Heart" in his father's VHS collection, sparking a particular interest in genre cinema.

He pursued his filmmaking dreams by receiving a scholarship to study directing at the American Film Institute Conservatory in Los Angeles. During his time there, he had the privilege of being mentored by notable figures in the industry, including Frank Pierson, Gil Dennis, and Jim McBride.

Patrick von Barkenberg's talent and dedication have been recognized through various awards and grants for his short films, including the Richard P. Rogers Spirit of Excellence Award, the Telly Award, the ECU Best Editing Award, the Technicolor Grant, and the Fuji Grant.

His debut feature film, "BLOOD PARADISE," falls into the arthouse/horror genre and had its world premiere at SCARY MOVIES XI at the Film Society of Lincoln Center in New York City on August 18, 2018.

In 2020, Patrick made the decision to return to Berlin, and he is currently involved in the development of two TV series in collaboration with Polyphon, showcasing his continued dedication to storytelling through the medium of film and television.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I set out to create "Blood Paradise," I had a clear vision in mind, one born out of my love for genre cinema and an unwavering passion for the northern landscapes of Sweden. This project was not just a labor of love; it was a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration, especially with my talented wife, who played a pivotal role as both an actress and a producer, editor and composer.
I've always been drawn to the allure of genre cinema, where the boundaries of reality are pushed to their limits. It's a space where storytelling can take on an almost hypnotic quality, challenging audiences to explore the depths of their imagination. My inspiration for "Blood Paradise" came from an unlikely but captivating fusion of early Brian De Palma's suspenseful storytelling and Ingmar Bergman's exploration of the human psyche. It might seem like an unusual pairing, but for some inexplicable reason, it resonated with us, particularly against the backdrop of the enchanting northern landscapes of Sweden.
Choosing to embark on this independent journey with family and friends allowed us to craft an intimate, personal experience. It meant facing challenges head-on and relying on each other's unwavering support and dedication. "Blood Paradise" was not a big-budget production, and we didn't have access to an extensive cast and crew. Still, we believed in our vision, and we poured our hearts, passion, and guts into every frame.
The northern wilderness of Sweden played a pivotal role in the film, serving as both a character and a canvas for our storytelling. Its stark beauty and isolation provided the perfect backdrop for our tale, evoking a sense of isolation and unease that became integral to the story's atmosphere.
"Blood Paradise" may not be a perfect film, and I don't believe in perfection. What I do believe in is the power of storytelling to connect with audiences on an emotional level, to provoke thought, and to ignite the imagination. This movie was made with an abundance of heart, an unwavering passion for cinema, and the sheer audacity to defy limitations.
I hope that when you watch "Blood Paradise," you'll sense the love and dedication that went into its creation. It's a testament to the magic of independent filmmaking, where a shared vision can come to life through sheer determination and a boundless love for the art of cinema.
Thank you for joining us on this journey into the strange and enigmatic world of "Blood Paradise."