Cardinal Flix Launches Scranton Summer Film Series Featuring William Sadler

A New York‑based independent studio, Cardinal Flix, has announced a three‑week summer film series in Scranton that will spotlight veteran actor William Sadler. Titled the Cardinal Flix Summer Film Series, the event begins Thursday, July 9 at 6 p.m. with a screening of the company’s own feature, A Stage of Twilight, at the Scranton Art Haus (301 Lackawanna Ave). After the film, Sadler will join a panel discussion for audience members.

A Stage of Twilight follows a retired couple in their seventies as the husband confronts a terminal diagnosis. Sadler stars opposite Karen Allen—best known for her role as Marion Ravenwood in Raiders of the Lost Ark—and the picture was written and directed by Cardinal Flix co‑founder Sarah T. Schwab. Schwab is also set to film her next thriller, Arachnophilia, in Scranton in October.

Tickets for the July 9 screening are $11 and can be purchased through the Art Haus website. Each evening of the series will feature talks and networking opportunities, and Cardinal Flix has stated that it intends to hire locally for all aspects of production—including background actors, crew, locations and various services.

The series will include two additional films. On Thursday, July 16, the Art Haus will screen Crybaby, a suspense thriller about a pregnant teenager and her family who relocate to the countryside. The following week, on July 23, the venue will show Life After You, a drama that explores grief, healing and hope after loss. Both films will be shown at 6 p.m. and tickets will also be $11.

According to Cardinal Flix, Arachnophilia will be the first of four movies that the company plans to film in Scranton over a four‑ to five‑year period. The company has posted a production interest form on the film’s social‑media accounts, inviting actors and crew to apply. The role of the spider in Arachnophilia has already been cast, and the Pet Zone in Pittston will supply three Mexican red‑knee tarantulas for the production.

Sadler, who began his career on Broadway and has appeared in more than 100 film and television projects, is best known for his roles as Heywood in The Shawshank Redemption, the Grim Reaper in the Bill & Ted franchise, and Colonel Stuart in Die Hard 2. He has also appeared in the Star Trek and Marvel franchises.

The Scranton Art Haus, an independent eight‑screen theater, has positioned itself as a venue for unique cinema experiences. By partnering with Cardinal Flix, the venue will host a series that not only brings a well‑known actor to the city but also supports local employment in the film industry.

Cardinal Flix’s initiative reflects a broader trend of independent production companies seeking to film outside traditional hubs. The company’s plan to hire locally for Arachnophilia and future projects could provide economic benefits to the Scranton area and help build a sustainable film‑making community.

The series is scheduled to run through the end of July, with each film screened on a Thursday evening. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet Sadler and discuss the film’s themes during the panel discussion. The event is open to the public and is priced at $11 per ticket.

For those interested in participating in future productions, Cardinal Flix encourages applicants to submit their interest through the film’s Instagram and Facebook pages. The company’s social‑media links are https://www.instagram.com/arachnophiliafilm/ and https://www.facebook.com/ArachnophiliaFilm/.

In summary, the Cardinal Flix Summer Film Series will bring William Sadler and three feature films to Scranton’s Art Haus, offering audiences a chance to see a celebrated actor in a new role while supporting local hiring and future film projects in the region.