The Sadness

Taiwan and the rest of the world has for some time been victims of a flu-like pandemic. Scientists warn that the virus shares some common traits with rabies, and that they are worried about new mutations. Even so, society is finally moving back towards a more normal existence. So it is for young couple Jim and Kat, whose day starts just like any other workday, as they leave their shared home for work. What they don’t yet know is that the virus has indeed mutated, and just as they go their separate ways, the new mutation is spreading like wildfire through the streets of Taipei. Instead of having mild flu symptoms, the infected are reduced to creatures of pure rage, driven by their most sadistic instincts.

Director Rob Jabbaz tackles the world of zombie cinema in his debut feature, and brings it to a very dark place. Jabbaz has clearly set his mind on depicting one version of hell on earth, and is successful at that. The result is an extremely violent film, so please consider yourself warned.

“Jabbaz's confident, daring debut operates on pure, unbridled fury. It's a vicious anthem that keeps you in its grip, forces you to stare into the abyss, and dares you to look away.” – Bloody Disgusting

Presented in collaboration with Ramaskrik Film Festival.

Mads Wølner Voss

Director

Rob Jabbaz er en kanadisk filmskaper som også har gjort seg kjent som selvlært animatør. De siste årene har han lagd flere animerte kortfilmer. The Sadness er Jabbaz’ første spillefilm, som hadde premiere på Locarno filmfestival i sommer.