Quarantine Horror ‘Psychopomp’ to Screen at Romford Horror Festival

The post-pandemic world provides the backdrop for Psychopomp, an independent sci-fi psychological thriller set to make its international premiere at the Romford Horror Film Festival on 28 February.

Directed by Anthony Bushman, the film has been steadily gaining traction on the festival circuit, earning nominations at both the Orlando Film Festival and the New York City Horror Film Festival. Despite its modest budget and unconventional production process, Psychopomp is proving to be a standout indie feature, bringing an unsettling and deeply personal exploration of isolation, survival, and blurred realities.

The film follows a determined microbiologist who, amidst the devastation of a global super virus, embarks on an unauthorised exposure experiment in an attempt to develop a cure. As he and his friends navigate the chaos of a fractured society, his grip on reality begins to slip, leading to a terrifying descent into paranoia and uncertainty.

Bushman, who co-wrote the film with Brian K. Millard, had originally intended to shoot an entirely different project before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a last-minute cancellation. With only 36 hours before production was set to begin, the filmmakers were forced to adapt, shifting their creative focus to a story that mirrored the anxieties and fears of a world in lockdown.

What makes Psychopomp even more remarkable is how it was made. Filming took place remotely, with actors performing their scenes entirely over Zoom. Both Bushman and Millard, initially behind the camera, stepped in front of it as well, portraying two of the lead characters. The constraints of quarantine turned into an unexpected creative advantage, heightening the film’s claustrophobic atmosphere and psychological tension.

Tragically, Millard passed away during post-production, leaving Bushman to finish the film without his closest collaborator. “I’m heartbroken Brian will never get to see our film completed, but I think he’d be proud of the work we did,” Bushman said. His determination to honour their shared vision has resulted in a film that is not only a testament to their creativity but also a deeply personal tribute to his late friend.

Following its well-received world premiere at the Orlando Film Festival, where it was nominated for Best Picture and Best Cinematography, Psychopomp is now set to reach international audiences at Romford Horror Festival. The screening is scheduled for Friday, 28 February at 2:00 pm.

For tickets and further information, visit Romford Horror Film Festival.

Psychopomp trailer