The Waiting Man

Screening on film festivals

In 2022, the famous streaming group TOMNI was at the height of its popularity with over 7 million followers. Over the course of a week, their content changed and then they suddenly vanished. This is the footage recovered from their social media, computers, and SD cards. Experts believe the footage shows the worldwide phenomenon known
as Alikabiha, also called the Waiting Man.

Have you ever felt yourself being watched but no one is there? Have you ever encountered someone where their shape is the only thing that seems human? A sense of dread spreads and you feel in your heart that something isn't right. You are not alone.

For the last millennium frighteningly similar reports of a mysterious figure have been documented. This is the common denominator in hundreds of disappearances throughout the world. We call the phenomenon, The Waiting Man.


The Waiting Man is a fictional horror character created by Carl Sundström that will soon be seen on screens all over the world. A feature film with the same name, written by Carl Sundström and Nathaniel Pellikka Erlandsson, is now completed with a preliminary release date in late 2026. 


Screenings


PUFA — Pucela Fantástica

Valladolid, Spain · July 2026
World Premiere

The Waiting Man had its world premiere at PUFA (Pucela Fantástica) in Valladolid, Spain, as part of the festival's Aquelarres section.

The film was presented to audiences for the first time on July 9, 2026, marking the beginning of its festival journey. The screening was attended by director Carl Sundström, actress Mayuko Lindström, and co-writer and producer Nathaniel P. Erlandsson.

PUFA, the International Fantastic and Horror Film Festival of Valladolid, took place from July 4–11, 2026, bringing together an international selection of contemporary genre cinema.

PUFA (Pucela Fantástica) 

Upcoming Screenings


Horror Fest Film Festival

United States · September 2026
North American Premiere

The Waiting Man continues its international festival journey with its North American Premiere at Horror Fest Film Festival.

Following its world premiere in Spain, the film makes its first appearance before North American audiences, bringing its unsettling story and atmosphere to a new audience.

Horror Fest Film Festival

Toronto Indie Horror Fest

Toronto, Canada · October 2026
Canadian Premiere

The Waiting Man will make its Canadian Premiere at Toronto Indie Horror Fest.

The Toronto screening marks another step in the film's international festival journey, introducing the film to Canadian audiences for the first time.

Toronto Indie Horror Fest

A promotional picture for the world premiere of the Waiting Man. A picture of a dark figure standing on a road in the winter. The text the Waiting Man is shown and a film festival laurel is on it. The laurel is for Pucela Fantastica film festival.
The Waiting Man - World Premiere
A promotional picture for the North American premiere of the Waiting Man. A picture of a dark figure standing on a road in the winter. The text the Waiting Man is shown and a film festival laurel is on it. The laurel is for Horror Fest Film Festival film festival.
The Waiting Man - North American Premiere
A promotional picture for the Canadian premiere of the Waiting Man. A picture of a dark figure standing on a road in the winter. The text: the Waiting Man is shown and a film festival laurel is on it. The laurel is for Toronto Indie Horror Fest.
The Waiting Man - Canadian Premiere



Cast & crew

Portrait of a man with dark hair wearing a light-colored shirt, cover design featuring the text "NoeI Salbix".
Noel Salblix - Joel Sandström [TOMNI]
Mayuko Lindström - Kiko Watanabe
Mayuko Lindström - Kiko Watanabe
A portrait picture of Carl Sundström, the creator of Alikabiha and the director of the Waiting Man.
Carl Sundström - Director & writer
Portrait photo of a woman with curly brown hair, blue eyes, and a gentle smile against a neutral background, cover design featuring the text "Minna Evås".
Minna Evås - Caroline Parker
Cristian Åsvik - Lukas Malinowski [Guy]
Cristian Åsvik - Lukas Malinowski [Guy]
A portrait picture of Nathaniel Pellikka Erlandsson, the co-writer of the Waiting Man.
Nathaniel P. Erlandsson - Writer & producer
Marcus Stenberg - Mikael Berg [Mitch]
Marcus Stenberg - Mikael Berg [Mitch]
Mafi De Guzman - Little girl
Mafi De Guzman - Little girl