The Italian-Canadian dark comedy marking the directorial debut of Frieda Luk, "Sacred Creatures", will have its world premiere at the EIFF Edinburgh International Film Festival and will compete in the main section for the Sean Connery Prize.
An Italy-Canada co-production, produced by My Sister Miriam Films Inc. and Italian company Doppio Nodo Double Bind srl — shot over 4 weeks in Piemonte in autumn 2023 with the support of Film Commission Torino Piemonte — the feature film tells the story of the Sarracino siblings who reunite after 10 years in Italy, in Marene, where the youngest of the three lives. A story of the supernatural and misunderstandings that shifts between darker, noir tones and more overtly grotesque and comedic ones, reflecting on the concept of spirituality and the search for an ideal, transcendent guide.
During the festival (13–19 August 2026), four public screenings are scheduled:
- Sunday 16 August 2026 at 5:30 PM at Filmhouse, Screen 1
- Monday 17 August 2026 at 2:45 PM at Cineworld, Screen 4
- Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 4:30 PM at The Cameo, Screen 2
- Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 7:15 PM at Cineworld, Screen 3
For more information, click HERE.
The plot follows three Italian-Canadian siblings who, after drifting apart, reunite at a countryside residence in Italy. At the centre of the story is Miriam — played by young American actress Olivia Luccardi — who, upon arriving in Italy, becomes convinced she is connected to a higher power and finds herself, reluctantly, becoming the spiritual guide of a group of young followers. Alongside her are James Cusati-Moyer, Romina D'Ugo, Italian actor Antonio De Matteo and Pia Engleberth.
Shot largely in Piemonte, mainly in Marene at the home of brother Ray and his partner Renzo, the film also made use of locations in the municipality of Bra and the Città di Chieri, where the final scenes of the film were shot at the local hospital. An independent production with an international crew, including many Piemonte-based professionals — approximately 50% of the personnel involved.
The three Sarracino siblings haven't seen each other in 10 years. Ray, the youngest, has finally managed to bring his two sisters — Michelle and Miriam — to Italy, where he lives with Renzo, a recognised artist. Their grandmother has confided to Ray that Miriam has been acting a little "strange" again lately, and that a holiday might do her good. Miriam's arrival brings an odd atmosphere to the house. When she reads an old self-help book stolen from a bookshop, she becomes convinced she is truly connected to a higher power. Her enthusiasm attracts the attention of Renzo's eccentric aunt Carlotta, who sets about organising a group of followers around her. Soon Ray, Renzo and Michelle find themselves swept up in the phenomenon of "Santa Miriam". While Renzo grows increasingly enthralled by Miriam's teachings, Ray and Michelle are unsettled by her newfound popularity.
