W.Va.-made comedy “Ambrosia!” to be released in September

BECKLEY, W.Va. — The producers of the West Virginia-made comedy film Ambrosia! have announced a September release that will be followed by a series of statewide and national screenings.

Afterward, the feature-length independent film will be released on streaming platforms globally, though producer Saja Montague says those details are still being established.

“We’ve had many excited community members asking about its availability on digital streaming services, but most film festivals will not accept the film if it is streaming, so we won’t be able to make those commitments until later,” she said.

The production companies Butter Chicken Pictures and Mtn Craft have announced a public premiere on September 27 in Beckley, where much of the film was shot. Following that, showings will be held at theaters across the state and region.

“We’re working with theaters to confirm showings, but each requires a different set of agreements, so it’s an involved process that couldn’t be approached until the movie was ready,” Montague said.

The 90-minute film was written and directed by Shane Pierce and David Gravely, who set out to develop a Hollywood-style screwball comedy. It follows the misadventures of an innkeeper who struggles to manage a house full of eccentric guests and staff.

“Ambrosia!” is produced by Saja Montague, Ann Worley, and Ben Berry. Its director of photography is Justin Litton. Mathew Jackfert wrote the score. Aaron Griffin is the sound recordist and audio engineer. Chris Oxley, Ann Worley, Richard Hendrick, Kim and Jason Vance, and Sharon and David Gravely, Sr. are the executive producers.

Principal cast members, listed alphabetically, include Sandeep Chugg, Eliska Hahn-Diller, Kelsey Hofe, Sam Ingram, Afsheen Misaghi, Hannah Moore-Hughes, Robby Moore, Chris Oxley, David Sibray, and Adam Taylor.

Background actors include Scott Worley, Steve Clark, Maury Kaplan, Christian Kaplan, Kati Grimmett, Seth Hughes, Robert John Quesenberry, Danny Boyd, Dave Traube, Mariah Plante, Jim Wolfe, Kevin Traube, Christian Shumate, and Debra, Preston, Devyn, Maddy, and Barbara Lanna.

The production crew includes Dylan Cane, Tijah Bumgarner, Sam Payne, Emilee Pyrtle, DeeDee Ellison, Ann Worley, Will Radford, Kati Grimmett, Tyler Evans, and Emily Butcher.

Film sponsors are Ann Worley, Richard Hendrick, Kim Vance, Jason Vance, Chris Oxley, David Gravely, and Sharon Gravely.

The cast and crew of “Ambrosia!” all hail from West Virginia, which Montague said is a point of pride.

Tickets are on sale through Eventbrite.

---

Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email twice weekly. Sign me up!