‘Frankenstein’s Army’ Director Richard Raaphorst Returns With Gorey Thriller ‘Children of the Moor,’ Pitching at Cannes’ Frontières Platform (EXCLUSIVE)

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Renowned Dutch movie director Richard Raaphorst, best known for “Frankenstein’s Army,” is making his return to feature filmmaking with “Children of the Moor.” This upcoming horror film blends elements of folk tradition, boasting a homemade visual style, and incorporates a darkly humorous undertone.

Our project is set to be showcased at the upcoming Frontières Platform during the Marché du Film in Cannes. This event is jointly presented by Canada’s Fantasia and the Marché, and it receives support from Raaphorst’s creative collective The Mad Scientists. Collaboratively, we are working with 52 Films, a U.K.-based company led by screenwriter Adam Park, who penned “Children of the Moor.

At this moment, we’re working on it and searching for a third international collaborator. “Children of the Moor”, planned to start filming in Spring 2026, is being referred to as a blend of artisanal folk horror and a home improvement TV series by its creator, Raaphorst. The narrative revolves around a family attempting to begin anew at a secluded rural farmhouse. However, their tranquil existence is disrupted when the teenage daughter unearths the disturbing past of the land – it’s haunted by the vengeful spirits of children who were murdered there. As the story unfolds, the father struggles to maintain his sanity.

Raaphorst, renowned for the popular “Frankenstein’s Army,” notes that the visual style of this upcoming film will be distinctly different. “This time it will be much more visually appealing,” he clarified. “I aim to highlight the beauty of nature… create an almost romantic atmosphere as things unravel on the farm. The contrast between these elements can be extremely chilling.” He credits classic Italian horror as a significant source of inspiration, pointing towards directors like Dario Argento for their ability to blend poetry with grotesque imagery.

The idea behind “Children of the Moor” initially stemmed from a spin-off of the acclaimed short film “Gnomes,” produced by Raaphorst. However, after receiving feedback that urged him towards a more emotionally impactful narrative, it transformed into something deeper. As he explained, “It began as a lighthearted, whimsical concept, but my producer suggested there wasn’t a market for that. So, I delved into the story’s darker aspects – exploring themes of childhood and grief.

Following difficulties in past ventures, such as the passing of a valued collaborator and losing faith in the profession, Raaphorst decided to step away from directing. “I no longer wanted to direct,” he expressed. “I was simply exhausted. So, I underwent a transformation. I established The Mad Scientists as a versatile platform where I could focus on creating things I’m passionate about, rather than worrying about my own professional growth.

After being revitalized, Raaphorst discovered a fellow soul in British producer and screenwriter Adam Park, who wrote the screenplay based on a story by Mina Hagen. “We first met at a bar in Cannes, discussed synth music and literature, and immediately found common ground,” he reminisced. “Adam rewrote the script from the very beginning, infused it with humor, and helped strengthen its emotional heart.

Despite being filmed in English, the story revolves around a “cockney English family” who find themselves at odds with their rural environment, as described by Raaphorst. The production team is currently looking for co-producers, a sales agent, and possibly a third European collaborator to help with financing, with Raaphorst mentioning potential benefits in Spain, France, or Italy due to the film’s flexible setting.

Although our movie is made with a modest budget of around one million euros, we work smartly,” he stated. “Our special effects crew focuses on creating only what’s essential for the camera. We play around, we test things out, and once something works effectively, we go all-in with it.

At Frontières, Raaphorst aims to make Children of the Moor strike a chord with potential buyers and partners. “It’s thrilling, it’s captivating, it’s amusing. And it’s created with affection. That’s the Mad Scientists approach.

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2025-04-09 11:46