French Canadian directing trio RKSS returned to the spotlight with their latest film, “Wake Up,” which had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest over the weekend. The event offered an exclusive first look at the movie, generating buzz and excitement among attendees.

“Wake Up” weaves together a timely message with a heart-pounding game of cat-and-mouse. The story revolves around a group of passionate Gen Z activists who find themselves ruthlessly pursued after being trapped in a furniture superstore during an environmental protest gone awry.

RKSS, short for Roadkill Superstars, hailing from Montreal, Quebec, were immediately drawn to the script’s compelling core concept and its relevance to contemporary issues. The trio eagerly embraced the project, eager to infuse it with their unique creative vision.

The film’s premise of a slasher scenario within a confined furniture store and warehouse presented an enticing playground for the directors. RKSS is no stranger to the international film circuit, having screened their shorts and features at prestigious festivals worldwide. Their accolades include awards at the Sitges Film Festival, Molins Film Festival, Fantaspoa International Fantastic Film Festival, Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, London’s FrightFest, and more.

RKSS consists of three talented filmmakers: Anouk Whissell, Yoann-Karl Whissell, and François Simard. They first gained widespread recognition with their breakout feature debut, “TURBO KID,” which won the Midnighters Audience Award at SXSW in 2015. Subsequently, they captivated audiences with their sophomore feature, “SUMMER OF 84,” showcased at Sundance in 2018. Most recently, they brought a comic book adaptation titled “WE ARE ZOMBIES” to the 2023 Fantasia International Film Festival, where it earned the Audience Award Gold for Best Québec Feature. The film also screened at Fantastic Fest, a remarkable feat for the directors who had two feature films featured in the festival’s prestigious lineup.

“Wake Up” boasts a screenplay by Alberto Marini, based on an original idea by Martin Soudan. It is presented by Borsalino Productions and STUDIOCANAL. The film is set to continue its festival journey at Spain’s prestigious Sitges Film Festival as part of the Official Fantàstic Competition.

The movie boasts an ensemble cast of emerging talents, including Benny O. Arthur (known for Sky and Canal + Django series), Jacqueline Moré (“THE ANARCHIST’S DREAM”), Charlotte Stoiber (“DOWNFALL”), Kyle Scudder (featured in Netflix’s upcoming “In Love All Over Again”), and newcomers Alessia Yoko Fontana and Tom Gould. Additionally, celebrated Irish film and television actors Turlough Convery (“Black Mirror,” “Killing Eve”) and Aidan O’Hare (“MY SAILOR, MY LOVE”) join the cast.

“Wake Up” is represented in the international market by STUDIOCANAL and produced by Gaël Nouaille and Laurent Baudens. The film is executive produced by Adrià Monés, Gaël Nouaille, and Maud Petit, with co-production by Yann Degay and Barnaby Wass.