Not since “The Exorcist” has clergy fallen under such virulent attack by unseen forces when all hell breaks loose in “The Church.”
With a regional rollout beginning Oct. 5, initial markets where “The Church” will enjoy a minimum of a one-week theatrical run include Atlanta; Charlotte; Chicago; Dallas-Ft. Worth; Houston; Los Angeles/Orange County/San Bernardino; Miami-Ft. Lauderdale; New York/Newark; Orlando; Philadelphia; Raleigh, N.C.; and San Francisco.
Written and directed by first-time filmmaker Dom Frank, “The Church” stars Clint Howard (“Solo: A Star Wars Story,” “Arrested Development,” “Apollo 13”); some of horror’s most iconic actors, including Bill Mosely (the upcoming “3 From Hell” and “86 Zombies”; “Repo! The Genetic Opera,” “The Devil’s Rejects,” “House of 1000 Corpses,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”), Ashley C. Williams (“Julia,” “The Human Centipede”) and Lisa Wilcox (“A Nightmare on Elm Street” film series); Keith Stallworth (“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” “Step Up 3D,” “American Idol”); and former WWE and WCW pro-wrestling star and actor Vito LoGrasso.
In this twisting, heart-pounding thriller, the minister of a once vibrant, landmark Baptist church, now struggling to survive, is the sole hold-out in a decaying Philadelphia neighborhood earmarked for gentrification. But ultimately, the preacher’s steely resolve to preserve his family’s evangelical legacy in the community and dwindling congregation dissolves under relentless pressure from his status-seeking wife and greedy church leaders—Lured by cash bribes and promises from unscrupulous developers to establish a flashy “mega-ministry” elsewhere.
Soon, the spirits of congregational members deeply wronged of centuries past – stirred from the disquiet of their graves by the remorseless trespasses of another generation – begin to make their displeasure known. As the sinners, abruptly and inexplicably bound within the confines of the sanctuary, begin to fall prey to unseen and ominous forces, they must all re-examine their choices and bow to the will of the covenant … only to reveal the righteous among them.
From Hard Floor Entertainment, the film was produced by Dom Frank, Paul Irwin, and Matthew Nadu; executive producers are Dom Frank, Gia Aaron, and Josh Aaron. The cinematographer was Tom Fanelle, with original music by Miles Bergma and editing by Ed Marx (“Jeepers Creepers 1 & 2”).
“The Church” was shot on location at Philadelphia’s historic First Corinthian Baptist Church (founded in 1930), where Frank’s family has been part of the congregation for more than 60 years.
In theaters October 5th
