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The Initiation

Produced by Larry Meistrich / Co-produced by Wilderness Films
To be directed by Mikael Södersten / Written by Cornelia Ravenal

THE INITIATION is a classic American story, dealing with timeless themes: power vs. powerlessness ... truth vs. lies ... an individual standing up for what's right.

Inspired by a true story, it's about a working class kid who makes varsity hockey at an elite school, playing for a coach who could take him to the NHL. But when a brutal intitiation leads to a teammates death, he risks everything he's ever lived for to expose the truth.

A coming-of-age story with the pace of a thriller, THE INITIATION is devastating yet redemptive, with an ending that will not only shock, but inspire.

Production Team

The team has gained both critical and commercial success, including Academy Awards and the top prizes at festivals.

Award-winning director Mikael Södersten – a former Division One hockey player – has developed the scripts for more than 30 European films, 12 of which have been produced, including Grand Prize winners at Sundance and Tribeca.

The script by Cornelia Ravenal, has already been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in their prestigious Nicholl Competition, placing in the top 2% out of close to 6,000 submissions. It went on to be an IFP Emerging Narrative featured at Independent Film Week.

Producer Larry Meistrich has produced more than 50 films, including the Academy-Award winning Sling Blade. Executive producer Diane Nabatoff has produced over 20 films, including Narc. Co-exec producer Steven Beer has worked with numerous film production and distribution companies. Swedish co-producer Fladen is co-owned by Scandinavia’s biggest distributor, Nordisk Film.

The creative team includes Oscar-winning editor Lisa Fruchtman (The Right Stuff) and creative producer Wendy Sax, former Artistic Director of the IFP Market, responsible for selecting numerous critically acclaimed films at early stages including the Oscar-nominated Frozen River. THE INITIATION promises to be one of them.

Audience Appeal

THE INITIATION will be an exciting sports film. But it will also make a difference. Hazing is against the law in 44 states, yet affects half of all teenagers and close to 80% of all student athletes. It is often dangerous and sometimes deadly.

THE INITIATION shows how one young person grows from willing follower to true leader, what it means to be an athlete, and ultimately, what it means to be a man.

A compelling script. Seasoned producers. Rising young stars. An international team. And a marketing plan that respects investors and will generate multiple strands of revenue. These make THE INITIATION not just a worthwhile project, but one with a strong chance to be a commercial and critical success, and to make a difference in people's lives.