TORONTO — Lumida Productions has received funding through the Ontario Creates Futures Forward Program for its upcoming horror movie, 'The Legacy', a women-led film exploring intergenerational trauma and the complex dynamics of a blended family. The project marks writer-director Jess Blackwell’s feature film debut.
Supported by a team of development consultants that includes Elza Kephart ('Slaxx'), Tara Ellis ('Alias Grace'), Steve Chambers ('The Wishing Tree'), Kelly Michael Stewart ('Late Night Double Feature') and Michel Kandinsky ('Raptus'), the film offers a unique perspective within the supernatural-horror genre, using the familiar setting of a haunted house to shine light on the darker side of family bonds.
“I grew up in a big, blended family, with half-siblings and a step-sister, and I’ve never seen a family quite like mine in the horror space,” said Jess Blackwell, writer-director and head of Lumida Productions. “This project is especially exciting to me because of the opportunity to explore a different perspective within the genre.”
In 'The Legacy', a routine reading of the will takes a dark turn when three bickering half-siblings discover that their deceased father has left them a terrifying inheritance. With core themes of grief, intergenerational trauma and sibling dynamics, the film aims to resonate with diverse audiences while delivering plenty of thrills and chills along the way.
With this backing from Ontario Creates, the team intends to accelerate its production timeline to complete development by the end of the summer and enter production in mid-2027. “I think this one’s going to be a lot of fun — and really scary. I’m excited to get it out to audiences as soon as possible. We have such an incredible team backing this project, so I know it’s going to be something special,” said Blackwell.
In addition to 'The Legacy', Blackwell and her team are pitching a short-form dramedy series called 'Divined', a supernatural coming-of-age tale set in small-town Ontario. Co-created with screenwriter Daniela Corallo, 'Divined' tells the story of a self-absorbed slacker whose world is turned upside down when she’s forced to use her newfound psychic powers to solve other people’s problems — and finally take accountability for her own.
About Lumida Productions: Lumida Productions is a film production company operating out of Hamilton and Toronto. With a focus on women-led narratives and stories that spark discussion, Lumida prides itself on a bold, boundary-pushing approach while keeping commercial viability top of mind.
About Ontario Creates and the Futures Forward Program: Ontario Creates is an agency of the provincial government whose mandate is to be a catalyst for economic development, investment and collaboration in Ontario’s creative industries. The Futures Forward Program provides funding for early-stage, project-related development, supporting companies that often face barriers to accessing project funding.
