Paolo Strippoli signs with WME following horror film success

Italian horror director Paolo Strippoli has signed with WME for worldwide representation following the success of his psychological horror film, ‘The Spiral’. The film premiered at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation and positive reviews.

‘The Spiral’ follows a mother who makes a Faustian bargain to save her daughter’s life. After its Venice debut, the film screened at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness sidebar. While the film is scheduled for release in Italian theaters this October, its North American distribution rights remain available.

Strippoli has established an international presence through various short films and feature releases, including ‘Piove’ and ‘The Holy Boy’. His previous work earned him the Audience Award and the Next Wave Best Director accolade at Fantastic Fest. He is currently developing his next project.