The Artifice Girl, the latest film from writer-director Franklin Ritch, has been making waves on the festival circuit, and it’s easy to see why. The sci-fi thriller, which premiered at the Fantasia Festival, has garnered critical acclaim for its timely and thought-provoking story.

Today, it was announced that XYZ Films has acquired North American rights to the film following its US premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival. The Artifice Girl stars Tatum Matthews (The Waltons: Homecoming), Lance Henriksen (Aliens), Sinda Nichols, David Girard, and Ritch himself.

The Story

The Artifice Girl follows a small team of special agents who discover a revolutionary computer program that uses a digital child to catch online predators. After teaming up with the program’s troubled developer, they soon find that the AI’s inevitable advancement is far more rapid and incalculable than they could have imagined, posing unforeseen challenges and unsettling consequences for the future of technology and mankind.

The Cast

The Artifice Girl boasts an impressive cast that includes Tatum Matthews (The Waltons: Homecoming), Lance Henriksen (Aliens), Sinda Nichols, David Girard, and Franklin Ritch himself. With a mix of established stars and up-and-coming talent, the film promises to deliver standout performances across the board.

The Filmmakers

Written and directed by Franklin Ritch, The Artifice Girl was produced by Aaron B. Koontz and Ashleigh Snead (The Pale Door), executive produced by Peter Kuplowsky, and co-produced by Cameron Burns and Alex Euting. With a team of talented filmmakers behind it, the film is sure to be a standout in the sci-fi genre.

The Reception

The Artifice Girl premiered at the Fantasia Festival to critical acclaim, with reviewers praising the film’s thought-provoking story, impressive visuals, and standout performances. The film’s US premiere at SXSW was equally well-received, cementing The Artifice Girl’s status as a must-see sci-fi film.

The Deal

The deal for North American rights to The Artifice Girl was negotiated by James Emanuel Shapiro and Alex Williams on behalf of XYZ Films, and by Aaron B. Koontz and Ashleigh Snead on behalf of the filmmakers. The film is set to have additional screenings on March 15 at the Violet Crown Cinema in Austin, TX.

If you’re a fan of thought-provoking sci-fi films, The Artifice Girl is definitely one to watch. With an impressive cast, talented filmmakers, and a timely story, this film promises to be a standout in the genre. Stay tuned for more updates as the film continues to make its way through the festival circuit.

About the Author

Norman Gidney is a nearly lifelong horror fan. Beginning his love for the scare at the age of 5 by watching John Carpenter's Halloween, he set out on a quest to share his passion for all things spooky with the rest of the world.