By Jon Donnis
Federico Zampaglione returns to the world of horror with THE NAMELESS BALLAD, a new supernatural genre feature that will make its world premiere at Tubi FrightFest 2026 in London.
The film will screen on Saturday 29 August on the festival's main screen, introducing audiences to Zampaglione's latest dark tale following his previous genre films Shadow and The Well.
THE NAMELESS BALLAD follows Sam Gallo, a 27 year old British musician played by Jamie Ward (His Dark Materials, Juliet & Romeo), whose life has changed dramatically following the runaway success of his debut album. Struggling with a severe creative block and an increasing addiction to prescription drugs, Sam faces growing pressure from his management to deliver another hit.
Seeking to reconnect with something he has lost, Sam returns to the Italian countryside where he spent his childhood summers. However, the secluded house where he chooses to isolate himself soon becomes the setting for a far more disturbing experience, as mysterious presences begin to emerge around him.
Appearing to feed on Sam's fears, anguish and desperate need to create, these dark forces pull him into an increasingly unsettling nightmare where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural begin to disappear.
Also caught up in the terrifying events is Tania, Sam's partner, played by Alana Boden (Mr. Selfridge, I Am Elizabeth Smart). Together, the pair find themselves drawn into a story that explores the fragile line between imagination and nightmare.
Written by Federico Zampaglione and Barbara Baraldi (Dylan Dog), THE NAMELESS BALLAD brings together psychological horror and supernatural elements, while also drawing from Zampaglione's own experiences as a musician and singer. The director has described the film as his most personal project to date.
The cast also includes Giglia Marra (Morrison), Fabrizio Ferracane (Black Souls), Seumas Sargent (The Signal), Reed Stokes (The Tour Guide), Mia Desando, Vincenzo De Michele and Sergio Ceglie. A special additional cast member is set to be revealed soon.
THE NAMELESS BALLAD is a SOMIC FILM production, directed by Federico Zampaglione and written by Zampaglione and Barbara Baraldi. Yuri Santurri serves as director of photography, with worldwide distribution handled by Italian production and distribution company Minerva Pictures.
Speaking about the upcoming premiere, Zampaglione said: "I'm very happy for my latest film to have its World premiere at FrightFest, a festival I love, and I will be there, with the cast and crew, to meet the fans. Although this film is deeply rooted in the supernatural, this is probably my most personal film to date, because it is inspired by my work as a musician and singer."
Tubi FrightFest 2026 takes place from Thursday 27 August to Monday 31 August at the Odeon LUXE Leicester Square and ODEON Luxe West End in London. The five day celebration of horror and fantasy cinema will once again bring genre fans together, with THE NAMELESS BALLAD set to be one of the festival's notable premieres.
