The screenplay The Sabbath of The Dead follows Rachel, a determined woman, who, along with a group of survivors, faces a zombie apocalypse centered around an abandoned synagogue in Eastern Europe. As the undead rise, Rachel retrieves ancient scrolls and a shofar from the synagogue, initiating a series of rituals to stop the undead threat. The survivors must hold off the zombies long enough to complete a final ritual that aims to banish them for good. The story combines elements of Jewish mysticism, faith, and survival against the odds, culminating in a climactic battle where faith and unity ultimately defeat the undead.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Julie Sheppard
Rachel: Val Cole
David: Geoff Mays
Sara: Hannah Ehman
Jacob: Shawn Devlin

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?
The Sabbath of The Dead is a supernatural horror screenplay set in present-day Eastern Europe, where an ancient battle between the living and the dead unfolds. Rachel, a determined survivor, retrieves a sacred shofar and ancient scrolls from an abandoned synagogue just as the dead begin to rise from a nearby cemetery. Joined by David, Sara, and Jacob, a group of skilled fighters and spiritualists, she must use Jewish mysticism to combat the growing horde of undead—former members of their faith now twisted by an unknown force.

As the group fights for survival, they retreat to a hidden camp and attempt a powerful ritual to banish the undead. With the sound of the shofar and sacred chants, the zombies begin to disintegrate, but a shadowy figure watches from the darkness, hinting that the true evil is yet to be defeated. Blending Jewish folklore, faith, and apocalyptic horror, The Sabbath of The Dead offers a fresh take on the zombie genre, where ancient rituals hold the key to humanity's survival.

2. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
The Sabbath of The Dead deserves to be made into a movie because it offers a fresh and unique take on the zombie horror genre, blending Jewish folklore, mysticism, and apocalyptic survival. Unlike traditional undead narratives, which often rely on viral outbreaks or supernatural curses, this screenplay introduces faith-based horror, where ancient rituals and sacred objects become weapons against the rising dead. This cultural and spiritual depth adds a layer of originality that sets it apart from standard zombie films.

Visually and thematically, the film has the potential to be both atmospheric and terrifying, with eerie, abandoned synagogues, crumbling cemeteries, and haunting supernatural forces. The action-driven survival elements, combined with deep character dynamics and existential stakes, create a compelling mix of horror, suspense, and heroism. With an increasing demand for diverse storytelling and folklore-driven horror (like The Vigil and His House), The Sabbath of The Dead could resonate with both mainstream horror fans and those seeking something innovative and culturally rich in the genre.

3. How would you describe this script in two words?
Mystical Horror

4. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Brick and Night of the Living Dead

5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
a few months

6. How many stories have you written?
10-15

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?
I've always been drawn to horror as a way to explore fear, faith, and the unknown, but I rarely saw Jewish folklore and mysticism represented in the genre. That's what motivated me to write The Sabbath of The Dead—to merge supernatural horror with the rich traditions and spiritual depth of Judaism. I wanted to create a story where survival isn't just about fighting the undead but about reclaiming lost wisdom and using sacred rituals as weapons against darkness. The shofar, Hebrew incantations, and ancient scrolls aren't just relics; they're lifelines in a battle against forces beyond comprehension. By setting the story in eerie, atmospheric locations like abandoned synagogues and forgotten cemeteries, I aimed to craft a haunting, cinematic experience that blends folk horror, survival thriller, and spiritual warfare. More than just a terrifying tale, this screenplay is about resilience, history, and the power of belief—offering a fresh, culturally rich perspective in a genre that thrives on fear of the unknown.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced in writing The Sabbath of The Dead was finding a way to make it truly unique in a genre oversaturated with traditional zombie and supernatural horror stories. I didn't want to write just another apocalyptic survival film—I wanted to create something that felt fresh, culturally rich, and deeply rooted in folklore that hasn't been widely explored in mainstream horror. Balancing authenticity with cinematic horror was a challenge; I had to ensure the spiritual and mystical elements felt organic and powerful, rather than just surface-level decorations.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Sports, Coaching, and Teaching. I also love sports cards and watching movies.

10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I submitted The Sabbath of The Dead to the HORROR Underground Film & Screenplay Festival because of the exposure it could bring, the festival's prestige, and the incredible opportunity to have my work read and evaluated by horror enthusiasts and industry professionals. Seeing the script come alive for the first time was an unforgettable experience, and the feedback I received was both insightful and invaluable. The festival provided a platform to refine my vision, and the constructive critiques helped me make meaningful edits that strengthened the script. The process not only validated my creative approach but also pushed me to elevate the story, ensuring it was as compelling and unique as possible.

11. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
supernatural horror