BECKLEY, W.Va. — The momentum behind "Ambrosia!"—an award-winning West Virginia–made screwball comedy—continues to build as filmmakers announced that the film has been nominated for Best Picture at the Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival.
A contingent from the production that was filmed in Beckley will attend the festival screening in Rehoboth Beach, with hopes high for an award, filmmakers say.
“We’ll update you with pictures and such from the weekend,” producer Saja Montague said in a Facebook post. “Thanks to all who were involved. We are keeping the train rolling.”
Produced by Butter Chicken Pictures and Mtn Craft, the 90-minute comedy "Ambrosia!" was written and directed by Shane Pierce and David Gravely, who set out to create a modern throwback to the screwball comedies of Hollywood’s golden age.
The story follows an innkeeper navigating a houseful of eccentric guests and unpredictable staff—an ensemble-driven setup reminiscent of comedy classics such as "Bringing Up Baby" (1938).
Producer Saja Montague said audience interest in digital access has been strong, although streaming availability will be available later.
“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,” Montague said. “So we won’t be able to make those commitments until later.”
Montague said the team is currently coordinating with theaters across West Virginia and the region, a process that requires individual agreements for each venue. “It’s an involved process that couldn’t be approached until the movie was ready,” she said.
Meet the comedy makers
The all–West Virginia cast and crew is a point of pride for the filmmakers. 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.
Behind the camera, the production includes director of photography Justin Litton, composer Mathew Jackfert, and sound recordist and audio engineer Aaron Griffin. Executive producers are Chris Oxley, Ann Worley, Richard Hendrick, Kim and Jason Vance, and Sharon and David Gravely Sr.
Supporting cast and background performers 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.
Production-crew members include Dylan Cane, Tijah Bumgarner, Sam Payne, Emilee Pyrtle, DeeDee Ellison, Ann Worley, Will Radford, Kati Grimmett, Tyler Evans, and Emily Butcher.
Film sponsors include Ann Worley, Richard Hendrick, Kim and Jason Vance, Chris Oxley, David Gravely, and Sharon Gravely.
Following its regional screenings, "Ambrosia!" is expected to be released globally on streaming platforms, though specific dates have not yet been set.
"Ambrosia!" has also won Best Feature Comedy at the Western Canada International Film Festival.
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