IFC Films Acquires James Deen's 'The Canyons'

LOS ANGELES — IFC Films announced today that it has acquired the North American rights to "The Canyons," the much maligned drama from acclaimed director Paul Schrader, starring Lindsay Lohan and porn star James Deen.

The crowd-sourced film will premiere day-and-date and on digital platforms this summer.

IFC Films President Jonathan Sehring described "The Canyons" as a "wild ride through the psyche of [screenwriter] Bret Easton Ellis" and noted that Lindsay Lohan is "terrific" and Deen "will be a big surprise for people."

The film, which was rejected by both the Sundance and SXSW film festivals, will also be screened this summer at the Film Society of Lincoln Center. 

"The Canyons" is a cautionary tale of Hollywood excess, starring Deen as an abusive film producer named Christian and Lohan as his cowering girlfriend Tara, a former model caught in an affair with an actor.

Deen, who was named Male Performer of the Year and Crossover Star of the Year at the 2013 XBIZ Awards Show, was handpicked by Ellis ("American Psycho") to star in "The Canyons."

"The Canyons" is produced by Braxton Pope ("Penny Dreadful") and costars Nolan Funk ("House at the End of the Street"), Amanda Brooks ("Chillerama") and director Gus Van Sant ("Milk," "Good Will Hunting").

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Milena Ray Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for May

Milena Ray is the Cover Honey for the May issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by Davide Esposito.

Vanna Bardot, Chloe Foxxe Headline 'Dad's Lesbian Lover 4'

Two-time XMAs Female Performer of the Year Vanna Bardot and Chloe Foxxe topline the fourth volume of "Dad's Lesbian Lover," the latest release from Girlfriends Films.

Andylynn Payne, Sasha Tatcha Topline 'TS Girls Do It Best 3' From TransSensual

Andylynn Payne and Sasha Tatcha headline "TS Girls Do It Best 3," from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Casey Calvert Wraps Production on Girlsway Feature 'Straight Girls'

Adult Time has announced that production has wrapped on the feature, "Straight Girls," directed by multi-XMAs winner Casey Calvert.

On the Set: Seth Gamble, Wicked Serve Up 'Sweet Juggz of Justice'

It’s Easter Sunday, and there’s a rainbow shining at Tranquility Canyon Movie Ranch in Santa Clarita, California. Only this one isn’t in the sky. It’s on the ground and made up of four powerhouse performers, Angel Youngs, Octavia Red, Rissa May, and Vanna Bardot, dressed in vivid, artfully styled color on the set of Seth Gamble’s new Wicked Pictures feature, “Sweet Juggz of Justice.”

Violet Voss Makes Her Blacked Raw Debut

Violet Voss has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw, alongside multi-XMAs winner Isiah Maxwell.

Penny Barber, Nina Nova Star in Latest From Girlsway

2025 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Nina Nova in the latest release from Girlsway series "Mommy's Girl," titled "A Bit of a Stretch."

Lucy Mochi Makes Her Jules Jordan Debut

Lucy Mochi has made her debut for Jules Jordan Video alongside Hollywood Cash.

Chanel Chance, Derek Kage Star in Latest From TransSensual

Chanel Chance stars with multi-XMAs winner Derek Kage in the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual, titled "After Hours 2."

Michael Vegas on Life as the Ringmaster of His Own Creative Circus

Even on non-shoot days, Michael Vegas tends to be immersed in the innumerable small tasks of production: calling agents, rustling up props and costumes, planning upcoming shoots.

Show More