There’s no denying that the “Zombie” has become one of horror’s most enduring monsters. There have been films, books, and documentaries on the films and books… You get the idea. The “zombie” is part of the modern-day lexicon; everyone knows what a zombie is, but filmmaker Maya Annik Bedward wants audiences to understand where the monster really came from.
Following its world premiere at SXSW 2026, Black Zombie has officially been acquired for U.S. distribution by Kino Lorber, with a theatrical release planned for this fall.
The documentary examines the history of the zombie long before Hollywood transformed it into the flesh-eating creature audiences know today. Tracing its origins to Haitian spiritual traditions and the legacy of colonialism and slavery, Black Zombie explores how a symbol rooted in oppression and survival evolved into one of the most profitable figures in horror culture.
Special Guest: Director: Maya Annik Bedward
Maya Annik Bedward is a Jamaican-French Canadian director working in film and television. After living in Brazil and the UK, Maya returned to Toronto and co-founded Third Culture Media with her producing partner, Kate Fraser.
Visually colourful and sonically rich, her work uses levity and nuance to explore themes of locality, ancestry and belonging. Her films have screened at Hot Docs, TIFF, Black Star and the New Orleans Film Festival. She has also directed episodes for FARM CRIME (CBC Gem), BLK: AN ORIGIN STORY (History Channel, Global TV) and the upcoming series, LIDO TV (CBC Gem). Maya is a fellow of the DOC Institute Breakthrough program and the EFM DocSalon Toolbox Programme. She has also produced two podcasts.
Dedicated to fostering a more equitable and inclusive industry, Maya is a founding member of the Black Screen Office and a mentor for the Telus StoryHive Black Creators Edition. She is currently in production on her first feature documentary, BLACK ZOMBIE.