Blue Finch Films has acquired worldwide sales rights to John Valley’s horror film American Dollhouse, which had its world premiere at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival, and will introduce the title to buyers at the Cannes Film Market. The UK-based sales and distribution company is partnering with Roosevelt Film Lab on the project.
The film, written and directed by Valley, follows a woman who returns to the house she grew up in, only to discover that her neighbor’s obsession with her escalates into deadly danger. The film was produced by David Ax, Samuel Butler, and Shane Greb, along with Christian Sosa and John Wroblewski of the Roosevelt Film Lab. The cast includes Haley Lauren (“My Stretch of Texas Ground”), Kelsey Pribilski (“The Man Finds Tapes”), Tinus So, Daniel Ebon Ploeger, and Richard C. Jones.
Sosa and Wroblewski were in charge of negotiations with the Roosevelt Film Lab. Chapman represented Bluefinch.
“In the context of a gory genre film, I wanted to tell a story that dismantles the false narratives we tell ourselves about ‘home’ and ‘family,'” said Valley. “Bringing ‘American Dollhouse’ to Cannes is an incredible opportunity to share this nightmarish ride with audiences around the world.”
Wroblewski, producer and co-founder of Roosevelt Film Lab, added, “This is a bold, uncompromising film, and we are thrilled to support Roosevelt. ‘American Dollhouse’ is more than just a gripping horror-thriller, it also delves deep into the discomforts of suburban life and the haunting shadows of our past.”
Director Chapman said, “After witnessing the enthusiastic audience response at SXSW, we are excited to bring ‘American Dollhouse’ to buyers. Led by two strong performances, this boundary-pushing horror film is sure to delight and terrify buyers at Cannes.”
“American Dollhouse” joins a Blue Finch sales schedule that includes the Rotterdam title “Bowels of Hell” from Oscar-winning production company RT Features. SXSW sci-fi thriller “Imposters.” and “Dolly,” which was released in theaters last month through IFC.
Roosevelt Film Lab was co-founded by Wroblewski and Sosa and operates out of Austin, Texas.
