Virgil Films and IndieCan Entertainment have acquired the North American rights to the feature-length documentary “She Was Here,” which examines the life of child actress Heather O’Rourke, who starred in the “Poltergeist” trilogy before her death at the age of 12.
The film will be released on VOD and digital platforms on February 24th, with Kino Lorber handling DVD distribution on the same day. The documentary comes on the 50th anniversary of O’Rourke’s birth.
Directed by Brian Pockras and Nick Bailey, the project was developed with the full participation of O’Rourke’s family, who appear throughout the film. Producers are Rhys Eveneshen and Avi Federgreen.
Mr. O’Rourke rose to fame at the age of five after he was cast in Steven Spielberg’s “Poltergeist” and delivered the memorable line, “They’re here…” Her tragic death has been the subject of long-standing rumors about a “poltergeist curse.”
The documentary aims to counter decades of internet speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding O’Rourke’s death by presenting authoritative accounts from those who knew him. The filmmakers secured access to the family’s personal collection, including diaries, letters, photographs, and unreleased home videos.
The film includes interviews with O’Rourke’s mother Kathleen and sister Tammy O’Rourke, as well as industry figures such as Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Zach Galligan, Gary Sherman, and Chris Alexander. Some participants will be speaking publicly about O’Rourke for the first time.
A trailer and poster for the documentary have been released to coincide with the anniversary. Virgil Films will distribute in the U.S., with IndieCan Entertainment handling Canadian territory.
Watch the trailer here:
