Yellow Veil Pictures Boards North American Sales for SXSW Horror Anthology 'Grind'

The film explores modern work anxieties through interconnected stories of an MLM company, a food delivery driver, a content moderator, and a unionizing coffee shop.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Yellow Veil Pictures has acquired the North American sales rights for the horror anthology film 'Grind', which is set to premiere at the SXSW Film Festival's Midnight section. The film tackles the modern work landscape and the anxieties of late-stage capitalism through four interconnected perspectives, including the hustle culture of a multi-level marketing company, the repetitiveness of a food delivery driver, the online horrors of a content moderator, and the unionization of a coffee shop.

Why it matters

The anthology format allows 'Grind' to subvert the genre by creating a more cohesive and interconnected narrative that explores timely themes around work culture, capitalism, and the struggles many face in the modern economy. The film's ensemble cast and the involvement of directors Grant and Dougherty, who previously explored workplace issues in their 2024 short film 'MLM', also add to the anticipation surrounding the project.

The details

The film's ensemble cast includes Rob Huebel, Barbara Crampton, Vinny Thomas, Jessika Van, Christopher Rodriguez-Marquette, James Urbaniak, Courtney Pauroso, James Paxton, Ify Nwadiwe, and Aubrey Shea. Grant and Dougherty wrote the screenplay and also produced the film alongside Chelsea Stardust. Yellow Veil Pictures, a New York City and Los Angeles-based production company, has also added the SXSW title 'Ugly Cry' to its current slate.

  • The film is set to have its world premiere in the Midnight section of the 2026 SXSW Film Festival.

The players

Yellow Veil Pictures

A New York City and Los Angeles-based production company that has acquired the North American sales rights for the horror anthology film 'Grind'.

Grant and Dougherty

The directors and screenwriters of 'Grind', who previously explored workplace issues in their 2024 short film 'MLM'.

Chelsea Stardust

The producer of 'Grind' alongside Grant and Dougherty.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Grind' subverts the anthology genre by creating something more cohesive, more interconnected and by doing so wonderfully plays on so many feelings we are all struggling all while providing a great deal of laughs along the way. It's the perfect kind of film to play before SXSW audiences, and we can't wait to hear their reactions.”

— Joe Yanick, Co-Founder, Yellow Veil Pictures

The takeaway

With its innovative anthology format, ensemble cast, and timely exploration of modern work anxieties, 'Grind' is poised to be one of the most anticipated horror films at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival, showcasing the ability of the genre to provide both thrills and social commentary.