ONE NIGHT IN RILA
A Psychological Thriller Set to Begin Production in Bulgaria, May 2026
Bulgaria / London – Pre-production is officially underway on ONE NIGHT IN RILA, a high-concept psychological thriller scheduled to film on location in Bulgaria from 10th to
31st May and in the UK in June. Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Rila and Rhodopi Mountains, the film offers a fresh and unsettling vision for the global horror and
thriller market—one that blends atmospheric dread, psychological tension, and deeply human stakes.
Visually striking and emotionally charged, ONE NIGHT IN RILA is crafted with a cinematic flair that places mood and character at the heart of its storytelling. Designed to appeal to both dedicated genre fans and wider international audiences, the film explores how isolation, fear, and unspoken truths can fracture even the closest of bonds.
A Journey That Turns Dark
The story follows a group of friends and strangers in their early twenties who travel from London to Bulgaria for a rock festival, seeking escape, freedom, and a weekend of excess.
They retreat to a remote mountain villa nestled deep within the forests. What begins as a carefree celebration—filled with music, alcohol, laughter, and late-night conversations— slowly transforms as night falls.
Setting and Atmosphere
Location: Bulgaria’s haunting Rila and Rhodopi Mountains
Visual Style: Candlelit interiors, moonlit forests, deep shadows, and naturalistic night photography
Mood: Dreamlike paranoia, folklore-infused unease, and modern isolation The Mountains provide more than a striking backdrop—they are integral to the film’s identity. Dense forests, vast night skies, and the oppressive quiet of the wilderness heighten the sense of vulnerability and psychological dislocation. The landscape amplifies the characters’ emotional states, creating a constant tension between beauty and menace.
At the center of the story is the villa itself,
“VILLA ELENA” which functions as a living, breathing character. Its narrow corridors, flickering candlelight, and secluded position turn it into both a refuge and a trap. As the night unfolds, the villa reflects the group’s unraveling psyche—offering shelter while quietly intensifying their fear.
A Psychological Approach to Horror
Rather than relying on spectacle alone, ONE NIGHT IN RILA leans into psychological horror, using suggestion, atmosphere, and character-driven suspense to build unease. The film draws on themes of:
Youthful recklessness and consequence
The fragility of trust under pressure
Cultural dislocation and isolation
The fear of the unknown—both external and internal
Subtle nods to Eastern European folklore blend with modern sensibilities, creating a tone that feels timeless yet contemporary. Every shadow, sound, and silence is designed to keep
audiences questioning what is real, what is imagined, and what is waiting just out of sight.
International Appeal
With its English-speaking cast, European setting, and universal themes, ONE NIGHT IN RILA is positioned for strong international appeal. The project is tailored for the global horror and thriller market, where atmospheric, high-concept films continue to resonate across streaming platforms, festivals, and theatrical releases.
Bulgaria’s growing reputation as a film-friendly production hub—combined with its dramatic natural locations—makes it an ideal home for the project. Local crews, authentic landscapes, and cinematic environments contribute to the film’s grounded yet otherworldly aesthetic.
Production Details
Title: ONE NIGHT IN RILA
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Horror
Production Status: Pre-production
Filming Dates: 10th – 31st May
Location: Rila Mountains, Bulgaria
As pre-production continues, the creative team is focused on crafting a tightly controlled, immersive experience—one that lingers with audiences long after the final frame.
The cast is a carefully curated blend of exciting new talent and seasoned performers, Giving the film a grounded, authentic tone that enhances its mystery and emotional weight.
Award-winning Producer/Director Martin Nuza explains: “We held a tight audition process and received submissions from actors across the globe, but ultimately we chose fresh new talent after seeing their auditions. They truly bring the characters to life and give the story a realism that feels raw and immediate.”
The ensemble includes, Jack Aldridge, Eliza Boyce, Belle Taylor, Ella Knight, Anna
Barrowman, Josh Simpson, Adam Peake, Tayah Kansik, Ego Mikitas and Kurt Dirt, each contributing to a dynamic group dynamic where relationships feel lived-in and unpredictability fuels the tension.
Visually, ONE NIGHT IN RILA is in expert hands, with cinematography led by BAFTA
member and Award-winning Director of Photography / Cimematographer Rob Shacklady,
who has worked on International blockbuster films which include “James Bond”
“Star Wars” and many others over the years. His experience and cinematic sensibility will shape the film’s distinctive look.
“Rob brings years of experience to this project,” Nuza adds, “and his vision will give
audiences that unmistakable sensation of being transported onto the silver screen—fully immersed in the night, the forest, and the fear.”Soundtrack
Award winning composer Rick Balentine from Temple Gate Films will be composing the Soundtrack.
