American River

American River is a female-led Western from director Catherine Hardwicke and writer Eric Esau, heading into pre-production for Bronte Studios. The film is set at the dawn of California's Gold Rush in 1848 and follows four women from vastly different backgrounds as they're thrown together by circumstance, forced to navigate a world where fortunes are being made, laws are being rewritten, and survival belongs to those prepared to take matters into their own hands. Blake Northfield and Michelle Krumm are producing through Bronte Studios alongside Shaun Goodman, in association with MEW Films. Veteran casting directors Lisa Beach and Sarah Katzman are currently assembling the ensemble cast. Production is scheduled to begin in Australia during the second quarter of 2027, with the project targeting a mid-year start for principal photography.