Hafstrom set to direct 'The Rite'

Thriller to be scripted by Michael Petroni

By MICHAEL FLEMING

New Line has set Mikael Hafstrom to direct "The Rite," a fact-based thriller scripted by Michael Petroni.

Based on a nonfiction book by Matt Baglio, the film tells the story of a young man who joins a seminary and is soon recruited into the Vatican's newly formed Exorcism School. There, he confronts the demonic and discovers his true faith by facing the devil.

Contrafilm's Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson will produce with Christy Fletcher.

The Swedish director's last film was the ghost story hit "1408." He most recently completed the Phoenix Pictures-produced drama "Shanghai," which the Weinstein Co. releases on Sept. 4.

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