Studio News

Refuge, directed by Renny Harlin, filmed at Nu Boyana Film Studios.

“Refuge”: A haunting tale of war and evil, unveiling the shadows of society

Haunted by war. Possessed by evil.

Our movie “Refuge,” directed by Renny Harlin, was released on April 19, 2024. Starring Jason Flemyng, Sophie Simnett, Raza Jaffrey, Johanna Harlin, and Aston McAuley.

It is not just another horror film, it is a profound exploration of contemporary social issues through the lens of supernatural horror.

Johanna Harlin shared her deep connection to the project in her post, “Refuge is our labor of love from the COVID times, and it’s finally out. Lots of wonderful people, both cast and crew, put their hearts and souls into this horror film that explores today’s society, the polarizing viewpoints and beliefs, which unfortunately can lead to hatred and violence. We hope you check out this film and find its message of love and acceptance inspiring.” 

Renny Harlin, reflecting on the filmmaking process, expressed his enthusiasm for the production. “Making ‘Refuge’ has been a great experience,” he said. “It’s my second film in Bulgaria at Nu Boyana Studios, which to me is one of the leading studios in the world and in Europe. It’s a huge place with big, sound stages where it’s easy to build your sets and shoot in the same conditions. Plus, it has backlots that offer you New York, London, Ancient Rome, if that’s what you want, and many other things. Like in our case, we created our little American neighborhood there.”

Matti Eerikainen, cinematographer of the movie, shared his personal connection to the project. “This film holds a very special place in my heart as it was my second collaboration with the legendary Renny Harlin and marked my first U.S. feature film production. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey we shared together as it led to another significant opportunity, but also to a warm friendship,” Eerikainen shared on his Instagram.

“Refuge” stands out not only for its gripping horror narrative but also for its thoughtful commentary on societal issues. The film makes viewers to reflect on the sources of fear and hatred in our world and to consider the power of love and acceptance as antidotes. It is a testament to the dedication and passion of its creators, who put their experiences and emotions into crafting a story that resonates on multiple levels.