The British Horror Studio has been accorded notable international recognition, as its founding partner, Hex Studios, marks a distinguished nomination at the 24th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards.
Its ambitious medieval fantasy, The Reign of Queen Ginnarra, has been nominated in the category of Best Independent Film, placing it amongst a select company of works recognised for their contribution to the horror genre.
The Rondo Hatton Awards, determined by the votes of dedicated enthusiasts and scholars, have, since their inception in 2002, maintained a reputation as one of the most respected honours in the field, recognising achievement not only in cinema, but also in literature, journalism, and the preservation of the genre’s rich traditions.
The Rondo Hatton Awards
For the producer Lawrie Brewster, and for those associated with the British Horror Studio and Amicus Productions, the nomination represents a most gratifying development. It follows closely upon the Special Recognition previously conferred upon the company for its efforts in restoring the name of Amicus Productions and in upholding the traditions of British horror filmmaking.
Accounts of the revival of Amicus Productions have been reported previously, while further details concerning the continued development of the British Horror Studio may be found elsewhere.
A Medieval Tale of Power and Sacrifice
The Reign of Queen Ginnarra is a work of considerable scale, extending to two and a half hours, and set within a darkened medieval realm overshadowed by forces of an ancient and malign character.
Miss Megan Tremethick appears in the title rôle, portraying Queen Ginnarra, a sovereign of implacable will who rises in revolt against her father in order to claim dominion. In the exercise of her authority, she proves willing to sacrifice her own subjects in pursuit of power derived from primordial and unearthly sources.
Opposed to her is her exiled brother, portrayed by Mr Andrew Gourlay, a performer of long-standing association with the studio. His rôle provides a counterpoint of humanity and resistance amidst the encroaching darkness.
Among the supporting players are Mr Navarro Ramon, Mr Sam McMillan, and Mr Stephen Kerr, together with Mr Michael Daviot, whose presence has frequently drawn favourable comparison with the distinguished tradition of classical horror performance. The production further benefits from the involvement of Mr Dorian Todd, recipient of the British Indie Horror Artist of the Year distinction.
Best Independent Film Nomination
The picture appears in the official ballot for Best Independent Film, a category encompassing works presented at festivals and across emerging exhibition platforms. The nominees for the present year are as follows:
- Abraham’s Boys: A Dracula Story, directed by Natasha Kermani
- Adulthood, directed by Alex Winter
- Dangerous Animals, directed by Scott Byrne
- Dust Bunny, directed by Bryan Fuller
- Foreigner, directed by Ava Maria Safai
- Good Boy, directed by Ben Leonberg
- The Haunting at Jack the Ripper’s House, directed by Stephen Stanley and Natasha Tosini
- How Deep Is Your Love?, directed by Elinore Mortimer
- Keeper, directed by Osgood Perkins
- The Reign of Queen Ginnarra, directed by Lawrie Brewster
- The Ugly Stepsister, directed by Emilie Blichfeldt
The inclusion of The Reign of Queen Ginnarra amongst these titles marks a significant moment for the British Horror Studio, and may be regarded as further evidence of its growing standing within the sphere of independent production.
A Distinction Conferred by the Public
The Rondo Hatton Awards occupy a singular position in that their recipients are determined by the considered judgement of the public. In this respect, they represent not merely industry recognition, but the esteem of those most devoted to the appreciation and study of horror in its many forms.
Such recognition carries with it a particular weight, reflecting both the enduring appeal of the genre and the continued interest in works which draw upon its classical foundations.
Method of Voting
Those wishing to register their vote may do so by submitting their selections by electronic mail to the Awards’ organiser, Mr David Colton, at taraco@aol.com, not later than midnight on Friday, the 1st of May, 2026. Voters are requested to include their name, and may select as many or as few categories as they desire.
For the British Horror Studio, the nomination is in itself a considerable honour. Should the picture prevail, it would represent a further distinction for a company increasingly associated with the revival of traditional British horror.
At Amicus Horror, we extend our good wishes to those responsible for The Reign of Queen Ginnarra, as well as to all other nominees in this year’s awards.
You can also read a more modern version of this article at Amicus Horror over here.
About Mr Lawrie Brewster
Mr Lawrie Brewster is a producer and director with fifteen years of experience in independent horror cinema. He leads Hex Studios, serves as President of Amicus Productions, and oversees the British Horror Studio initiative.
For further information, visit www.lawriebrewster.com.