FEATURE FILMS
WHAT WE FOUND
Director & Screenwriter: Ben Hickernell
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Coming-of-Age
Starring: Elizabeth Mitchell, James Ransone, Oona Laurence, Yetide Badaki, Jordan Hall, Brandon Larracuente, Giorgia Whigham, Julian Shatkin
Distribution: Freestyle Digital Media (U.S.); Urbanflix TV (U.S.)
Director & Screenwriter: Ben Hickernell
Genre: Drama, Romance
Cast: Hunter Parrish, Ashley Hinshaw, Tim Daly, Jonathan Togo, Nana Visitor, Victor Slezak.
World Premiere: Seattle International Film Festival
Distribution: Showtime (U.S.); Premium Cable in over 35 territories. Ammo Content (U.S. Ancillary).
A RISING TIDE is a romantic indie drama starring Hunter Parrish, Ashley Hinshaw and Tim Daly. It’s a love story, not just about people falling in love with each other, but also of being in love with a dream, and harnessing that passion to make that dream a reality.
An inspirational story of redemption, A RISING TIDE tells the tale of a young chef, Sam Rama (Hunter Parrish). After the destruction of his family’s well-established Atlantic City restaurant during Hurricane Sandy, Sam must grow up quickly, taking the biggest risks of his life, both in business and love. When Sam comes to the aid of a wealthy patron (Tim Daly) and then falls for the newly separated Sarah Bell (Ashley Hinshaw), a chain of unexpected events unfolds for all of them, as they discover the only way to achieve their dreams may be to acknowledge what they owe to others, and realize that the greatest investments take more than cash.
A RISING TIDE
LEBANON, PA.
Director & Screenwriter: Ben Hickernell
Genre: Drama, Romance, Coming of Age
Starring: Josh Hopkins, Samantha Mathis, Mary Beth Hurt, Rachel Kitson, Ian Merrill Peakes
World Premiere: SXSW
Distribution: Theatrical (Truly Indie), On-Demand (Warner Bros.), DVD/Blu-Ray, Showtime, HBO Europe, Netflix, Digital Sell through (iTunes, Amazon, etc.)
Will, a charming 35-year-old Philadelphia ad man, heads to Lebanon, Pa. to bury his recently deceased father. He forms an unexpected friendship with CJ, his bright, newly pregnant 17-year-old cousin. As Will becomes interested in CJ’s married teacher (Samantha Mathis) and CJ confronts her conflicted father, both struggle with formidable decisions about the path their lives will take.
Can we vault our differences and meet in the middle? This bittersweet comic drama tenderly explores the cultural divide in America through the lives of one extended family.
Best Fiction Film, Traverse City Film Festival ** Best PA Film, Philadelphia Film Festival ** Standout Film, Hells Half Mile Film Festival
" A superb bittersweet drama" - Huffington Post ** "An exceptional film... engaging and poignant" - Film Threat ** "One of the best American indies of the year" - Michael Moore ** "An intriguing, beauiful film by a primising young director" - Cinematical - For more reviews / awards see the Reviews / Awards page.
Director: Ben Hickernell
Screenwriter: Sarah Meghan Thomas
Genre: Sports, Romance, Teen
Cast: James Van Der Beek, Sarah Meghan Thomas, Margaret Colin, Glenn Morshower
Distribution: Dada Films (Theatrical), Phase 4 Films (DVD, Netflix, Digital sell-through), Disney Channel
BACKWARDS tells the story of Abi Brooks, a fiercely competitive rower, who fails to make the Olympic boat for a second time and reluctantly takes a job coaching rowers at a high school where her boss happens to be her ex-boyfriend. When given a chance to rejoin the Olympic team, Abi confronts the personal sacrifices and professional choices that impact the world of athletes with Olympic ambitions.
“Backwards” is an inspiring story that asks the question, what happens when you’ve spent your life working towards a dream and you don’t make it? How do you move forward?
A collaboration with production company 13th Night Productions, Ben was hired to direct BACKWARDS from a screenplay by Sarah Meghan Thomas.
BACKWARDS
