Rites of Passage...
the movie, the vision

Rites of Passage

Rites of Passage is first, a film about searching for meaning in a world filled with instant gratification and transitory relationships and second, the fulfillment of a dream for two old friends who set forth to create a story for the big screen.

Explaining how the film unfolded and how the dream was actualized is the purpose of this website.

As you explore the story, consider your own dreams and how you too can make them possible.
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Friends Rick Halsey and Peter Iliff in the early days at the future set of Rites of Passage. August 1991.

THE CAST


 

Wes Bentley

as Benny, a man chased by his own demons intent on finding a better life in the faraway place

 

 

 

 

Kate Maberly

as Dani, a bright coed of Chumash Indian desent who is haunted by a tragic mistake

 

 

 

 

Ryan Donowho

as Nathan, a brilliant anthropology student hoping to re-introduce the value of ritual and tradition into the lives of his friends

 

 

 

 

Travis Van Winkle

as Hart, Nathan's best friend and a US Marine Iraqi War veteran who knows how to party and honor his friendships 



 

Briana Evigan

as Penelope, a college student who loves to party but unfortunately finds herself the victim of a lost soul's fantasies.
 
 
 
 
 
Christian Slater
as Delgado, a twisted meth addict whose life was turned upside down by the loss of his family in a drunk driving accident

 

 

 

Stephen Dorff

as Professor Nash, an anthropology professor who fails to keep the proper distance from his female students

 

 

 

 

Carly Schroeder

as Carly, a conservative college coed who finds herself at the mercy of a madman's vengence

 

 

 

 

Ashley Hinshaw

as Tami, a sharp business major who finds the consequences of building an unusual company with her roomate can be bittersweet

 

 

 

 

Guy Burnet

as Mojo, a British exchange student who discovers his secret love fantasies become much sweeter when real

 

 

 

Daniel Cudmore

as Moose, a happy go lucky student who is hopelessly in love with a spunky coed nicknamed Squirrel

 

 

 

 

Angelic Zambrana

as Squirrel, Moose's short tempered heartthrob who is never afraid to say what she feels

 

 

 

 

Sharon Hinnendael

as Roxy, Tami's roomate who takes an unexpected turn on a path from which there is no return

 

 

 

 

Mylo Ironbear

as the Chumash elder, who provides guidance along the pathway to the faraway place

 

 

 

Joseph Runningfox

as the Chumash shaman, who helps to translate the mysteries of the faraway place

THE FILM MAKERS

 

 

 

 

 

Director Peter Iliff (in orange shirt)
surrounded by his team

THE CREW

 

Movies do not get made without a dedicated on-set crew of camera operators, grips, electricians, sound experts, production assistants, costume and set designers, drivers, and the essential craft service folks (food and coffee, lots of coffee).
Thanks to all of you!

THE PRODUCERS

 

 

Nothing happens without the finances and the behind the scenes management. To the left of director Peter Iliff is Bill Johnson who provide the majority of the financing for the film. To the right is Jon Sachar who built much of the original organizational structure for Rites of Passage. The guys in the background were our intrepid Isla Vista hosts.
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