“Tigers Are Not Afraid” is finally making its way stateside. Shudder is set to bring Issa López’s acclaimed dark fable to theaters in the U.S. and Canada. A press release announced the news.

Set against the backdrop of Mexico’s drug wars, the horror fairytale follows “a group of orphaned children armed with three magical wishes, running from the ghosts that haunt them and the cartel that murdered their parents,” according to its synopsis.

“The stories of these children fighting for survival just across the border, and the dreams and nightmares that follow them, is one that needs to be told now more than ever,” said López, who also penned the script. “Fantasy and horror are sometimes the best vehicle to tell the most vital stories. With ‘Tigers’ I set out to do just that… and in putting it on the screen Shudder is letting this story be heard. I couldn’t be happier or prouder.”

Shudder GM Craig Engler added, “‘Tigers Are Not Afraid’ is a beautiful, haunting film by the amazing Issa López and easily one of the most moving horror movies we’ve ever seen. We’ve worked closely with Issa every step of the way to make sure her amazing film gets the best release possible, and we’re excited audiences will be able to experience her remarkable vision in theaters.”

López won Best Horror Director at Austin’s Fantastic Fest. In Mexico, the film scored two Ariel Awards and three Diosas de Plata awards. López’s other credits include “Todo mal” and “Casi divas.” She’s signed on to make her English-language debut with Paramount Players’ “Three Sundays,” a love story set in New York’s banda music scene.

“Tigers are Not Afraid” opens August 23 in NY, LA, and Toronto via Shudder theatrical partner Variance Films, with an expansion to follow in September, prior to the film’s debut on Shudder.