20/08/2025 - Martijn Smits’ new horror-thriller follows a young activist eager to prove herself to Animal Army, a radical group led by a fearless woman

The Dutch horror-thriller Meat Kills is set to have its world premiere at Fantastic Fest (18-25 September) in Austin, Texas, one of the world’s most prestigious genre events. The pic is directed by Martijn Smits (Hunter Street, Kill Zombie!) and penned by Johan Paul de Vrijer.

Born in 1975, Smits began his career as an assistant director on Dutch feature films after graduating in Directing from the Dutch High School of Arts in 2002. More recently, he directed the family-friendly film Miss Pots, starring Tygo Gernandt, which was released in Dutch cinemas in February.

The plot of Meat Kills follows Mirthe, a young activist eager to prove herself to “Animal Army”, a radical group led by the fearless Nasha. After capturing harrowing footage of a pig farm, Mirthe is tasked with a mission to free the animals. However, when the group breaks in at night, the cages are empty, the pigs having already been slaughtered. Nasha turns her anger towards the farmer’s children, unleashing a wave of violence. As the farmer retaliates to defend his family, Mirthe becomes caught between vengeance and survival, forced to make choices that will stain her hands with blood.

Toplined by rising talent Caro Derkx, the cast also includes Emma Josten (Killing Eve), Sweder de Sitter and Sem Ben Yakar. The theatrical release in the Netherlands is scheduled for 25 September.

“I am incredibly grateful that Meat Kills will have its world premiere at Fantastic Fest. I can’t wait to return to Austin and share my film with the most dedicated and passionate audience I have ever experienced,” said Smits. “With this film, we set out to create a bloody, uncompromising horror experience around one of the most primal and provocative topics of our time: meat consumption. It’s not a lecture; it’s a cinematic punch to the gut. Fantastic Fest is the perfect place for a story that pushes boundaries this far, and we are already exploring the possibilities for an international remake.”

Meat Kills is being produced by Dutch outfits 2CFILM and Paradise Media. Denmark’s REinvent International Sales is handling its world sales.

Rikke Ennis, CEO of REinvent International Sales, added: “The selection of Meat Kills for Fantastic Fest is a testament to its undeniable quality and commercial appeal. Horror fans worldwide can look forward to a thrilling, bloody, masterfully crafted experience.”