Full Breakdown
Kino Lorber Secures U.S. Distribution for Maya Annik Bedward’s Documentary “Black Zombie”
6/5/2026, 9:00:38 PM
Acquisition and Distribution Deal
Kino Lorber announced it has secured U.S. distribution rights to the documentary “Black Zombie,” directed by Maya Annik Bedward. The film debuted at the 2026 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival. Negotiations were led by Kino Lorber Vice President of Acquisitions Karoliina Dwyer and Bill Straus of Bridge Independent. The company plans a theatrical release in the United States this fall, followed by digital, educational, and home-video formats.
Historical Roots of the Zombie Narrative
The documentary traces the zombie’s evolution from Haitian spiritual practices and colonial folklore to its adoption by Hollywood horror. It frames the figure as a living metaphor for slavery, describing it as the ultimate victim of colonial power. The film references seminal works such as “White Zombie,” “Night of the Living Dead,” and “The Serpent and the Rainbow” to illustrate this shift.
Creative Team and Contributors
The film is written and directed by Maya Annik Bedward, who also produces alongside Hannah Donegan and Kate Fraser. Executive producers include Jennifer Holness, Michael Paszt, Andrew Thomas Hunt, James Fler, and musician Slash. Interviewees feature cultural historians Yves-Grégory François and Mambo Labelle Déesse, musician Slash, special-effects artist Tom Savini, and performer Zandashé Brown.
Cultural Significance and Impact
The documentary seeks to restore the Haitian origins of the zombie, countering its commercial distortion in mainstream media. By presenting the zombie as a symbol of survival and resistance, the film contributes to discussions on race, colonial history, and visual representation. Its release plan includes an educational distribution channel, enabling academic and community screenings that explore these themes.
Official Statements & Responses
Maya Annik Bedward described the partnership as a chance to examine how images shape public understanding of history, culture, and race. Karoliina Dwyer noted the zombie’s iconic status and called the documentary a deeply researched reexamination of its Haitian roots.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m thrilled to partner with Kino Lorber on the release of Black Zombie,” — Maya Annik Bedward, Director
- “ Dwyer added: “The zombie is one of the most iconic images in cinema, and you’ll never look at them the same after watching Black Zombie.” — Karoliina Dwyer, VP of Acquisitions, Kino Lorber
- “The zombie is one of the most iconic images in cinema, and you’ll never look at them the same after watching Black Zombie. Maya Annik Bedward has crafted a fascinating, deeply researched documentary that unearths the long-buried Haitian origins of the genre, interrogating colonial, political, and Hollywood history to powerful and illuminating effect. We’re so proud to bring this documentary to U.S. audiences this fall.” — Karoliina Dwyer, VP of Acquisitions, Kino Lorber
- “The official synopsis reads: Black Zombie digs beneath the blood-soaked spectacle of modern horror to uncover the zombie’s buried and unsettling origins.” — Official Synopsis
- “Long before it became associated with flesh-eating ghouls, the zombie was a living metaphor for slavery: not a monster, but the ultimate victim of colonial power.” — Official Synopsis
What's Next
- 2026: World premiere at SXSW Film Festival
- Fall 2026: U.S. theatrical release by Kino Lorber
- Late 2026: Digital, educational, and home-video distribution
