Lebanon, Pa., the second feature film by Ben Hickernell ’00, opened in Philadelphia and New York last weekend. The film, which was five years in the making for the alumnus, features stars like Cougar Town‘s Josh Hopkins, The World According to Garp‘s Mary Beth Hurt and Pump Up The Volume‘s Samantha Mathis, as well as newcomer (and local Temple University theater student) Rachel Kitson. This weekend screenings sold out, reviews were good (including one in the New York Times), and a glowing feature in The Philadelphia Inquirer brought added notice to the independent feature that was made for under $1 million dollars. Hickernell, who wrote, directed and produced the film, snapped some photos at the premieres for us, including one with the film’s stars.
If you didn’t or couldn’t make it out on opening weekend, Lebanon, Pa., has been extended in New York and Philadelphia and opens in Wilmington, Del., Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and the film’s titular Pennsylvanian town this Friday. A full list of cities and opening dates, including those for screenings in Florida and Michigan, are available on the film’s website. Want more details? Watch the movie’s trailer below: