By Jon Donnis
Catalyst Studios and Seismic Releasing have announced that the psychological horror drama BROKEN BIRD will open in U.S. theatres on April 24, 2026. The film stars Rebecca Calder, known for The Conjuring: Last Rites, alongside James Fleet, and marks the feature directorial debut of Joanne Mitchell.
Written by Dominic Brunt, Tracey Sheals, and Mitchell herself, BROKEN BIRD expands on Mitchell’s short film Sybil. The production is led by Zoe Stewart, with Holly Levow, Mark Pennell, and Paul Kampf also producing. The cast is completed by Jay Taylor, Sacharissa Claxton, and Robyn Rainsford. The film gained critical acclaim during its festival run earlier this year, praised for its haunting tone and deeply affecting performances.
BROKEN BIRD tells the story of a lonely mortician with a poetic soul, played by Calder, whose search for love and connection takes a disturbingly intimate turn as grief and desire collide. Calder recently appeared internationally in The Conjuring: Last Rites and has credits including Kandahar, opposite Gerard Butler, and Memory, starring Liam Neeson. Fleet’s recent work includes Operation Mincemeat, Scream of the Wolf, Bridgerton, and The Devil’s Hour.
Joanne Mitchell, celebrated for emotionally driven, character-led storytelling within gothic drama and horror, saw BROKEN BIRD premiere as the opening film at London’s FrightFest. It also screened at the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival and earned a nomination for the Emerging Raven Award at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. Calder’s performance as Sybil was recognised with the Best Actor award at the Independent European Film Festival.
BROKEN BIRD is one of six films developed by Catalyst Studios to support female-led projects by women directors and producers. Holly Levow, Executive Lead and Co-Founder, said, “Broken Bird is exactly the kind of bold, character-driven filmmaking that defines Catalyst Studios. Joanne Mitchell has crafted a haunting and emotionally resonant film that stays with you long after the credits roll, and Rebecca Calder delivers a truly unforgettable performance. We’re thrilled to bring this powerful debut to audiences nationwide.”
