IFC Films Acquires James Deen's 'The Canyons'

LOS ANGELES — IFC Films announced today that it has acquired the North American rights to "The Canyons," the much maligned drama from acclaimed director Paul Schrader, starring Lindsay Lohan and porn star James Deen.

The crowd-sourced film will premiere day-and-date and on digital platforms this summer.

IFC Films President Jonathan Sehring described "The Canyons" as a "wild ride through the psyche of [screenwriter] Bret Easton Ellis" and noted that Lindsay Lohan is "terrific" and Deen "will be a big surprise for people."

The film, which was rejected by both the Sundance and SXSW film festivals, will also be screened this summer at the Film Society of Lincoln Center. 

"The Canyons" is a cautionary tale of Hollywood excess, starring Deen as an abusive film producer named Christian and Lohan as his cowering girlfriend Tara, a former model caught in an affair with an actor.

Deen, who was named Male Performer of the Year and Crossover Star of the Year at the 2013 XBIZ Awards Show, was handpicked by Ellis ("American Psycho") to star in "The Canyons."

"The Canyons" is produced by Braxton Pope ("Penny Dreadful") and costars Nolan Funk ("House at the End of the Street"), Amanda Brooks ("Chillerama") and director Gus Van Sant ("Milk," "Good Will Hunting").

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