by FIlmInk Staff
Lenore, the debut feature film by director David Ward, has been officially selected to screen at the Fantasporto Film Festival in Porto, Portugal — one of the world’s leading and longest-running genre film festivals.
Blending atmospheric tension with emotional depth, Lenore is a haunting psychological drama that explores grief, obsession, and the dangerous pull of memory. Set against an unsettling and intimate backdrop, Lenore follows terminally online sycophant Max who goes hunting for answers when a controversial influencer Lenore suddenly disappears – only to come face-to-face with the monstrosity of his own sins. As the narrative unfolds, the film steadily blurs the line between reality and inner turmoil, inviting audiences into a world that is as emotionally raw as it is unsettling.
Director David Ward brings a confident and assured voice to the project, crafting a film that balances restraint with unease. Producer Riley Sugars describes the project as “a film made with deep care for character and atmosphere — one that trusts the audience to sit in uncertainty and curiosity until the real story starts to reveal itself.”
“Fantasporto is an incredible platform for a film like Lenore,” says Ward. “It’s a festival that champions bold, genre-driven work, and we’re thrilled to share the film with an international audience in Portugal.”
The selection marks a significant milestone for the film and its creative team, placing Lenore alongside some of the most exciting contemporary voices in genre cinema. Fantasporto has a long history of launching and supporting filmmakers whose work pushes boundaries and challenges convention.
Creatives David Ward, Riley Sugars, Nicholas Jaquinot and Ruby Duncan will be in attendance.
Additionally, the World Premiere of the film will take place at the Horror on Sea Film Festival in Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom on January 23rd.
Produced by Veronica Brand Productions, MCF Productions and Sugarland Productions, Lenore represents a continued commitment to original, director-driven storytelling within the genre space. The film is currently represented by sales agent Moviehouse Entertainment.
Lenore will screen as part of the Fantasporto Film Festival in Porto, Portugal, on March 2nd.
ABOUT THE FILM
Title: Lenore
Director: David Ward
Writer: Josie Hess, David Ward
Producer: Madeline Claire French, Nicholas Jaquinot, Riley Sugars, David Ward
Cast: Nicholas Jaquinot, Ruby Duncan, Sam Mcdonald, Caithlin O’Loghlen, Scott Mackenzie, Bobby James, Joshua Dawe, Abbie James, Richard Mueck, David Gannon, Freya Callahan
Production Company: Veronica Brand Productions, MCF Productions and Sugarland Productions
Country: Australia
Language: English
Genre: Psychological / Drama / Thriller
Runtime: 88 minutes
ABOUT FANTASPORTO
Founded in 1981, the Fantasporto – Porto International Film Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious festivals dedicated to fantasy, science fiction, horror, and bold cinematic storytelling. Held annually in Porto, Portugal, Fantasporto is renowned for championing innovative films and emerging voices from around the globe.
