A Wicked Women’s Circle: A Tale of Sisterhood and Suspense
In the heart of Barcelona, during the 2024 Horror Film Challenge organized by Bigoli Studios, A Wicked Women’s Circle emerged as a chilling and thought-provoking entry. Written, directed, and produced by Studio Iris Jacobs, this film delves into the dark undercurrents of sisterhood, where even the most sacred bonds can become perilous.
The story follows a group of women—portrayed by the talented Nina Mirez, Ana Carolina Parisi, and Ainhoa Hevia Uria—who gather for a seemingly empowering ritual. Their intentions are pure (?), a celebration of femininity and shared experiences, marked by the symbolic use of menstrual blood. However, as the ritual progresses, the atmosphere grows increasingly tense. What begins as a sacred circle of trust soon unravels into a nightmarish exploration of hidden fears and unmet expectations.
Behind the scenes, the film was brought to life by an exceptional team. The breathtaking cinematography by Marcos Capello (Holographix) and Oscar La Torre from The Catwalk Studio earned them the symbolic award for ‘Best DOP’. Their ability to capture the eerie beauty of the ritual was complemented by the haunting sound design and music composition of Ana Luminita Ortiz Wienken and Roman Schoenbichler, who together created an auditory landscape that added layers of tension and dread, and also delivered them a symbolic but well earned award. Their efforts were made possible by the impeccable on-set sound recording of Juan Segura, ensuring every whisper and crackle resonated with chilling clarity.
Albert Castaño, usually seen in front of the camera and on stage, lent his talents to help Iris Jacobs illuminating the art department and production, infusing the set with his passion and creativity. The talented hair and makeup team; Claudia Lort Matarín & Lara Avia Noguera worked their magic, transforming the actresses into peculiar witches, complete with startling special effects that left audiences on edge.
A special nod goes to Jonathan Herzberg, Iris Jacobs’ partner in crime, who sacrificed sleep for the 66-hour whirlwind of filmmaking, and to Adria Cadena, the editor who heroically pieced the film together in less than three hours after a morning of waiting for the hard drive. Last nut not least the fabulous Anna Martín created beautiful titles/graphics! And of course the color needed to be done, so Oscar La Torre jumped in again. Isn’t it wonderful when a plan comes together?
Anna Martín
In A Wicked Women’s Circle, Iris Jacobs sought to capture a trend in modern sisterhood—the idea that even within the safest of spaces, vulnerability can become dangerous. The ritual, meant to be a sanctuary for women, reveals its sinister side, challenging the very essence of trust and connection. Fueled by a love for filmmaking and a commitment to exploring the complexities of human relationships, this project came together beautifully. A Wicked Women’s Circle stands as a testament to the passion of everyone involved, and to the support of Bigoli Studios, which provided the perfect platform for this haunting tale.
Fight Flight Free is a surreal Lynchian thriller, a captivating exploration of transformation, written and directed by Iris Jacobs.
In this enigmatic short film, a young, ambitious woman awakens in an unsettlingly familiar yet strange environment. She is surrounded by figures from her life, who seem to reveal cryptic dynamics and hidden messages. Caught between the realms of dream and nightmare, she embarks on an introspective journey, confronting the patterns that bind her. Will she embrace her younger self and ultimately find the freedom she seeks?
And the air was full of thoughts and things to say. But at times like these, only the small things are ever said. Big things lurk unsaid inside'
Arundhati Roy
