Production is now underway on Posthumous, a spine-tingling supernatural horror film from Queensland production company Imposter Syndrome. Backed by Screen Queensland and Screen Australia, the chilling debut feature comes from local creative duo Josh Tanner and Jade van der Lei, best known for their acclaimed short films The Landing and Wandering Soul.
Posthumous follows Zoe, a woman who is drawn back to her family home to confront a powerful supernatural force that resurfaces after secrets surrounding her long-deceased mother are exhumed.
Shot on location in Brisbane and at Pinnacle Films Studios on the Gold Coast, the production features an impressive all-Australian cast led by Sophie Lowe (Blow The Man Down, The Dive). She’s joined by David Roberts (Spit, A Savage Christmas), Doris Younane (Five Bedrooms, Apple Cider Vinegar), Remy Hii (Spiderman: Far From Home, Crazy Rich Asians), and Christopher James Baker (Boy Swallows Universe, Ozark). Kira-Che Heelan, George Pullar (Deadloch, CAUGHT*), and Mia Morrissey (Together, Totally Completely Fine) round out the cast.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek praised the production as a showcase of Queensland’s growing screen industry. “Posthumous is another example of the incredible pipeline of work being created right here in Queensland,” Minister Langbroek said. “We’re proud to support our growing screen sector as they continue to attract new movies like Posthumous, which will employ around 150 local cast and crew and inject $3.7 million into the state’s economy.”
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney highlighted how Posthumous reflects the importance of investing in homegrown talent.
“We have supported Josh and Jade’s careers across several talent development initiatives over the years and are proud to have backed their debut feature Posthumous from script to screen,” Feeney said. “This film is a testament to Queensland’s creative firepower and the incredible depth of talent in our industry.”
Screen Queensland’s Attachment program is also supporting skills development on the production, with Sunshine Coast filmmaker Siobhan Mulready joining the team as Director’s Attachment.
The film’s development and production are financed with major support from Screen Australia and Screen Queensland, along with assistance from the City of Gold Coast’s Screen Attraction Program. Kismet Movies will handle the film’s local distribution.
Louise Gough, Director of Narrative Content at Screen Australia, expressed enthusiasm for backing the Queensland-based creative team. “From powerhouse Queensland filmmakers who have been making impressive supernatural horror shorts for over a decade, we’re thrilled to support Josh and Jade on their gripping and emotionally charged debut feature,” she said.
“On paper, Posthumous was horrifying and energetic at every turn, and with the added atmosphere of a Queensland backdrop, I’m confident that when it hits screens, it will have all the elements to attract genre fans seeking a compelling, relatable story wrapped in a wild and unique cinematic experience.”
The film joins an exciting slate of Queensland-made productions in 2025. This year’s line-up includes Anaconda, Bear Country, FING!, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Season Two), Runner, Spa Weekend and Voltron. It also follows recent screen releases such as Black Snow, Darby and Joan, Good Cop/Bad Cop, Nautilus, Spit and The Lost Tiger, with Dangerous Animals and Mortal Kombat 2 confirmed for release later in the year.
