Richard Dutcher Movies and Career Information

Richard Alan Dutcher (born 1964) is an American independent filmmaker who produces, writes, directs, edits, and frequently stars in his films. Well known among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) for his early Mormon-themed productions, Dutcher has been called “The Father of Mormon Cinema.” Although he left the LDS church over theological differences in 2007, his films continue to explore universal spiritual and religious ideas. Dutcher launched his own film distribution company, Main Street Movie Company, in 2005 and now seeks to take his movies from concept to full distribution independently. Dutcher was born in Oak Park, Illinois as Richard Hill. His family moved frequently, and at age seven his parents divorced. As a member of the LDS Church, Dutcher served a two year mission in Mexico. Dutcher lived in his car during high school and was so financially strapped while attending college that he frequently had to choose between eating and going to the movies. Because of his love of film, he normally went to the movies. Dutcher graduated from Brigham Young University in 1988 with a degree in film. Dutcher has been married to his wife, Gwen, since