Arclight Films And Killer Films Announce The New Paul Schrader Film, FIRST REFORMED

Arclight Films and Killer Films are pleased to announce the latest from the latest from writer/director Paul Schrader of TAXI DRIVER, RAGING BULL, AMERICAN GIGOLO and AFFLICATION fame, and his most recent DOG EAT DOG – an official 2016 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and TIFF selection – comes his newest feature film, FIRST REFORMED.

Heading up the cast are four-time Academy Award nominee ETHAN HAWKE (THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, BORN TO BE BLUE, BOYHOOD) and AMANDA SEYFRIED (MAMMA MIA, DEAR JOHN, LES MISERABLES and LOVELACE).

Schrader is currently in Toronto debuting his TIFF 2016 official selection DOG EAT DOG to audiences in North America.

“Following DOG EAT DOG, we’re excited to be working with Paul again.” Said Gary Hamilton, Managing Director of Arclight Films and a producer on the project. “Mr. Schrader has an uncanny ability to bring magic to the big screen. He has an extraordinary gift to help actors to dig deep to deliver their most exhilarating performances as well as the ability to continually create new, commercially viable feature films that remain true to their artistic integrity.”

“We are so thrilled that after all these years we are finally partnering with one of the great auteurs.” Said producer Christine Vachon of Killer Films.

FIRST REFORMED is about an ex-military chaplain TOLLER (Ethan Hawke) who is tortured by the loss of a son he encouraged to enlist in the armed forces. As Toller struggles with his faith, he is further challenged after befriending a young parishioner, MARY (Amanda Seyfried), and her radical environmentalist husband MICHAEL. He soon discovers hidden secrets of his church’s complicity with unscrupulous corporations.

When Michael unexpectedly commits suicide, Toller embarks on a mission to destroy a gathering of the corporate heads at his church’s historic re-consecration ceremony. As he comforts the grieving Mary, Toller remains dedicated to his perilous self-assigned undertaking with the hope that he may finally restore the faith and purpose he’s been longing for in his mission to right the wrongs done to so many.

“FIRST REFORMED is a script I’ve been moving toward for almost fifty years. Ethan Hawke’s image appeared to me while I was writing and he responded days after reading the script,” said Schrader. “Now we are delighted to be able to add Amanda Seyfried. These are unique performers with a special charisma.”

Christine Vachon and David Hinojosa of Killer Films are producing. Additional producers include Gary Hamilton and executive producer Brian Beckmann.

Ethan Hawke is represented by CAA, MBMT ENTERTAINMENT and attorney George Sheanshang.

Amanda Seyfried is represented by Innovative and attorney Mike Williams.

Arclight Films is financing the film has taken on worldwide rights, and is presenting it to buyers in Toronto for the very first time. Financing was also arranged by David Gonzales of Northside, which represents Scharder with Johnnie Planco of Parseghian Planco.

The film is currently in preproduction.