Paul Schrader to Receive Ojai Film Festival’s Inaugural Storyteller Award | Exclusive

Paul Schrader will receive the inaugural Storyteller Award at the Ojai Film Festival and showcase his latest film, "The Basics of Philosophy," during its West Coast premiere in November. Following a screening of Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver," which Schrader also wrote, on November 7 at 1:30 p.m. at Chaparral Auditorium, Schrader will engage in a conversation with the audience.

Later that evening, he will introduce "The Basics of Philosophy" at 8 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center Theater, where Bill Pullman will also be present. The film, which had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September, stars Jack Huston as John Jorrisen, a philosophy professor who faces a life-changing event after his father's death.

Schrader expressed his enthusiasm for the honor, stating that he admires the Ojai Film Festival and is excited to celebrate his newest film. Jack Huston portrays the lead role in Schrader's latest film, while Sofia Boutella, Dana Delany, Karl Glusman, and Shiloh Fernandez also star. Martin Scorsese serves as an executive producer on the project.

The Storyteller Award recognizes writers and directors who have made significant contributions to cinema and challenged the status quo. Ted Melfi, the Ojai Film Festival's Artistic Director, emphasized that Schrader is the most appropriate recipient for this prestigious award. Schrader is a prolific filmmaker, with notable works such as "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," "The Last Temptation of Christ," and "American Gigolo."

He has received an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay for "First Reformed" and was awarded the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the Venice Film Festival in 2022. The 27th annual Ojai Film Festival will take place in Ojai, California, for six days in November, with tickets available at ojaifilmfestival.com.