True story of Abbess Mariam Soulakioti, accused of 300+ ritual murders, hits big screen
ATHENS – A chilling new film based on one of Greece’s most notorious true crimes begins shooting this week. Sound of Silence, a gothic horror inspired by the 1970s case of Abbess Mariam Soulakioti – believed to be the 20th century’s most prolific female mass murderer – has launched international sales at the American Film Market (AFM).
French sales powerhouse Playtime (Vuelta Group) is handling global rights. Directed by Greek filmmaker Joyce A. Nashawati (Blind Sun), the English-language thriller stars Millie Brady (I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning) and Greek actress Elsa Lekakou (Killerwood).
“The monastery is just an hour from where I grew up,” Nashawati told Variety. “I want the audience to feel the terror of two young women walking into hell disguised as sanctuary.”
THE TRUE STORY
In the 1970s, Soulakioti allegedly led a remote cliffside convent where followers were subjected to brutal “purification” rituals. Over 300 deaths were linked to the cult before authorities intervened. The case shocked Greece and remains one of the country’s most infamous unsolved religious scandals.
FILM SYNOPSIS
Set in 1970s Greece:
American hippie Alice and local tavern worker Cristina flee a police raid on a beach camp. Injured and desperate, they seek refuge in a secluded monastery — only to discover it’s a death cult ruled by a ruthless abbess.
PRODUCTION TEAM
- Producer: Pan Cinéma (France) + Giant Steps Production
- Co-producers: Anti-Worlds (UK), Blonde Audiovisual (Greece), Abbout Productions (Lebanon)
- DP: Jonathan Ricquebourg (The Taste of Things – France’s 2024 Oscar entry)
- Composer: Fatima Al Qadiri (Atlantics, Cannes winner)
REACTIONS
Nicolas Brigaud-Robert (Playtime co-CEO):
“You read the script and think: I can’t believe this actually happened. A global must-see for horror fans.”
Thomas Jacquey (Pan Cinéma):
“Our first horror. We’re aiming to create a new cult classic.”
Filming locations: Remote monasteries and coastal areas in Greece
Language: Primarily English with Greek dialogue
Sound of Silence marks a rare Greek true-crime story entering international genre cinema — and puts a dark chapter of national history under a global spotlight.
#SoundOfSilence #GreekHorror #MariamSoulakioti #AFM2025
Source: Variety / Playtime
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