Cartuna Scores U.S. Rights To Latvia’s Medieval Horror Oscar Submission ‘Dog Of God’

Animation studio and distributor Cartuna, one of the coolest labels in the indies right now with films like Boys Go to Jupiter and Tamala 2030: A Punk Cat in Dark in its catalog, has acquired North American rights to Dog of God, the rotoscoped medieval horror-fantasy from Latvian filmmakers Lauris Ābele and Raitis Ābele, fresh off its screening at the Sitges Film Festival. The company plans a 2026 theatrical release for the film, which is Latvia’s International Feature Oscar submission for the upcoming Academy Awards.

Set in a 17th-century Livonian village steeped in superstition, Dog of God follows a community unraveling amid accusations of witchcraft and divine hysteria, anchored by the mysterious figure of a self-proclaimed werewolf known as the “Dog of God.” The film’s rotoscope animation and surreal tone have been praised for their blend of folklore, grotesquerie, and dark humor.

The feature has already built significant festival momentum, premiering at Tribeca and playing at over 30 festivals, including Fantasia and FrightFest. It has also been shortlisted for the European Film Awards’ Best Animated Feature.

“Dog of God is one of those films that defies categorization — it’s bold, unsettling, and darkly funny in all the best ways,” said James Belfer, founder and CEO of Cartuna. “Lauris and Raitis have such a singular vision, and we’re thrilled to bring their work to audiences craving something truly new in animation.”

Produced by Kristele Pudane, Raitis Ābele, and Giovanni Labadessa, the film continues the Ābele brothers’ signature blend of arthouse experimentation and Baltic mysticism.