Mission Pictures to Rep Hallmark Original The Shunning

LOS ANGELES: Mission Pictures International has signed on to represent international sales on Beverly Lewis’s The Shunning, a Hallmark original movie with AFFIRM Films, a division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions.

The film is based on the Beverly Lewis novel of the same name. Danielle Panabaker stars alongside Sherry Stringfeld. The Michael Landon Jr.-helmed film will be executive produced by Landon, Brian Bird, Maura Dunbar and Cindy Bond in association with Believe Pictures and Lightworks Pictures.

Mission Pictures International’s Cindy Bond and Chevonne O’Shaughnessy said: “The Shunning encompasses the essence of the Mission Pictures brand. We have found a synergy with our partners at Hallmark and AFFIRM Films, not to mention the talents and pedigree of Michael Landon Jr.”

“The Shunning is a powerful coming-of-age tale of a young woman discovering her identity and coming to peace with the faith of her parents. It’s a universal story that will resonate in every household and in every family, even though it’s set in the world of the Amish,” commented Landon, Jr. “We are thrilled to be making this film with Hallmark, AFFIRM Films and Mission Pictures International.”

Barbara Fisher, the senior VP of original programs at Hallmark Channels, added, “Having been an ardent fan of Beverly Lewis’ books for many years, I look forward to what I hope is an ongoing movie franchise of Ms. Lewis’ tales of plain heritage. We have wanted to work with Sherry Stringfield for a very long time, and we equally welcome beautiful Danielle Panabaker as the heroine of our story. Together, the stars join some of the network’s best producers in creating a film that should become an instant Hallmark Channel classic.”