The Orchard has acquired theatrical and digital distribution rights to director Anthony DiBlasis latest thriller, Missionary. The Orchard is partnering with Freestyle Releasing to distribute the film to cinemas. Stars include Dawn Olivieri (“House of Lies,” American Hustle), Mitch Ryan (“One Tree Hill”) and Kip Pardue (Remember the Titans, Driven, The Rules of Attraction). The film will be co-promoted through The Orchard partnerships with Shock Till You Drop (a division of CraveOnline), and Evolve Media.
“Freestyle is teeing up ‘Missionary’ to deliver a strong per screen average,” said Mark Borde, Co-President, Freestyle Releasing. “The film has a solid cast and serious suspense factors to begin with. Add to that our partnership with The Orchard and the excellent marketing support we’ll receive from them, and we can only expect great things for this release.”
Just in time for Halloween, the feature will open theatrically on October 31, 2014, in 10 major U.S. markets, followed by a digital release via The Orchards digital retail network.
“Freestyle Releasing is a leading theatrical distributor in the market; it’s a pleasure for us to release and market the film with them and Shock Till You Drop,” says The Orchard’s Paul Davidson, SVP of Film & TV.
The film received rousing reviews from critics after a premiere at Fantasia International Film Festival, noting its relatable characters and intense level of gore. Married Katherine Kingsmen (Olivieri) engages in a fling with Kevin Brock (Ryan), a Mormon missionary with a troubled past. But, Katherine opts to save her marriage and, inevitably, Brock’s obsessions and insanity take over. He will stop at nothing to prove to Katherine that they are destined to be together by God’s will.
Missionary is just the first in a planned slate of films that The Orchard will soon be releasing, including Sundance Grand Jury Winner Rich Hill, and The Canal, which premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival.
