Ritesh Gupta’s ‘The Red Mask’ Scores Midwest Premiere at A Night of Horror International Film Festival

Merman director Ritesh Gupta’s psychological horror film The Red Mask received its Midwest premiere as the closing night selection at A Night of Horror International Film Festival, running March 5–8, 2026, at Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The Red Mask follows outspoken queer screenwriter Allina Green (Helena Howard), who is hired to write the final installment of a legendary slasher franchise. When angry online threats from die-hard fans put strain on her relationship with fiancée Deetz (Inanna Sarkis), the pair retreats to a secluded Airbnb — where a dangerous game devised to break Allina’s writer’s block turns deadly after two uninvited guests arrive. The cast also includes Kelli Garner and Jake Abel.

The selection marks a strong festival run for Gupta’s meta slasher, which blends genre thrills with sharp commentary on fandom and creative ownership. A Night of Horror International Film Festival, now in its 18th edition globally and third in the United States, focuses on showcasing boundary-pushing genre cinema from around the world.

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