Andrew Sensenig and Jennifer Lynn Warren join Elias’s Ayla

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

A few weeks ago we debuted the teaser poster for GUT writer/director Elias's supernatural thriller AYLA, which is currently in pre-production ahead of a planned fall shoot in the Seattle area. 

Now, coinciding with the start of the project's Kickstarter campaign, comes the news that Andrew Sensenig (POWERS, UPSTREAM COLOR) and Jennifer Lynn Warren of CREATURE and AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN have joined the previously announced Tristan Risk (who will play the title character) and Nicholas Wilder in the cast, which also includes Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and ABRAHAM LINCOLN VS. ZOMBIES' Bill Oberst Jr., a man who seems to be one of the busiest actors working today.

AYLA tells the following story:

The unexplained death of Elton's 4-year-old sister Ayla has left him lost and damaged since he was a boy. All throughout adulthood he's mourned the life with her that could have been. 

Born from his need, Elton turns what lived only in mind to flesh and blood once more, a child now reborn with the body of a woman — obsession become flesh. Her name is Ayla, but they used to call her "A." 

On its Kickstarter page, Elias reveals a deep emotional connection to the subject matter, saying

"Ayla" is a film inspired by the loss of my sister and the life as siblings that we never got to share. It's about what happens when you can't let go, how far into the dark you might reach to bring back someone you lost, and the ramifications that follow.

Well, you already had my attention, and now you're tugging on my heartstrings. It's really sounding like this one might be something special.

Tristan Risk