Grace Glowicki’s “Dead Lover” From SXSW 2025 Acquired

by Annika March 12, 2025

The inaugural acquisition from the fresh distribution collaboration between Cartuna and Dweck Productions is the film “Dead Lover.” The deal, one of the earliest from the SXSW Film Festival 2025, saw the venture purchase the feature from writer-director Grace Glowicki. The film, blending themes of horror, comedy, and romance, involves a gravedigger’s efforts to resurrect her drowned lover through science.

Grace Glowicki’s “Dead Lover” From SXSW 2025 Acquired

– Dead Lover, a film by Grace Glowicki, has been purchased by Cartuna x Dweck from the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, marking one of the first acquisitions from the festival.
– The film, which stars Glowicki and blends elements of horror, comedy and romance, is planned for a theatrical release, though a date has not yet been confirmed.
– This acquisition marks the inaugural feature acquisition for the new distribution venture between Cartuna, known for its film distribution arm and indie releases, and Dweck Productions, known for renowned indie titles.

Grace Glowicki’s film, Dead Lover, has been bought by a new initiative called Cartuna x Dweck, formed through a partnership between Cartuna and Dweck Productions. This transaction emerged as one of the earliest from 2025 SXSW Film Festival. The film was first showcased to the public in Texas at SXSW, following its global premiere at Sundance’s Midnight section earlier in the year.

Glowicki is both the writer and director of Dead Lover, which is a blend of horror, comedy, and romance taking inspiration from Frankenstein. Glowicki takes center stage alongside Ben Petrie, Leah Doz, and Lowen Morrow.

Glowicki’s character in Dead Lover is a gravedigger who tragically loses her lover (played by Petrie) in a drowning accident. Unwilling to let him go, she resorts to avant-garde scientific experiments to bring him back to life.

Cartuna x Dweck, the buyers of the feature, plan a theatrical release, though no tentative dates have been announced. The script of Dead Lover was a joint venture between Glowicki and Petrie, with Glowicki also donning the director’s hat. Along with Petrie, Yona Strauss also contributed to the production team from Neon Heart Productions.

In a statement, Cartuna’s founder and CEO, James Belfer, voiced his belief that they were at the cusp of a remarkable creative revolution. This partnership gave him hope that other producers would follow their footsteps in supporting innovative storytellers.

Hannah Dweck, co-founder of Dweck Productions, echoed these sentiments in her statement. Praising Glowicki’s creativity, she expressed joy at being a part of a team filled with limitless imagination and looked forward to introducing the audience to this whimsically wild, but heartfelt, romantic horror-comedy.

Cartuna made its foray into the film distribution industry the previous year and is recognized for their involvement in the physical distribution of last year’s independent sensation Hundreds of Beavers. They also put their financial hat in the ring for Broadway’s Oh, Mary! As for Dweck, they are known for productions like We’re All Going to the World’s Fair by Jane Schoenbrun and Tyler Taormina’s Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point.

Glowicki expressed her excitement about their association with Cartuna x Dweck. She highlighted their work in promoting independent cinema and their innovative approach to film distribution. Glowicki, alongside Petrie and Strauss, are eager to collaborate with them for the release of Dead Lover.