Independent film 'Fire Lily' takes place in Cape
Ben Marxer
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
The greater Cape Girardeau area may be a little gun-shy when it comes to news of motion pictures being filmed in their backyard. The level of disappointment surrounding the failed motion picture "Killshot" and the dashed hopes and dreams surrounding the cut footage filmed locally may have left many local residents skeptical about any news of local film-making endeavors.
However, the 100 percent homegrown film "Fire Lily" hopes to restore and rejuvenate the reputation of local independent filmmaking in Cape Girardeau.
Dr. Kenneth Stilson has had a hand in many of the theatrical projects of Cape Girardeau over the years. As chair of the department of theatre and dance, his name has been attached to several of the dramatic endeavors performed at Southeast Missouri State. With the creation of the film "Fire Lily," Dr. Stilson's ambitions go from the celebrated stage to the silver screen as he takes on the creative cinematic double duty of writer and director.
Originally created by Dr. Stilson as a stage play, "Fire Lily" received high critical acclaim early on, winning the Critics' Choice Award at the Edward Albee Theatre Festival. After being performed by the heralded American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood, it caught the attention of indie film producer Victor Kantchev, who initially saw the cinematic potential for the play, and stayed on as both the film's producer and financier.
Dr. Stilson pulled from many regional and personal elements for the creation of the story. "It was inspired by my grandfather, who I believed possessed magical powers, by Henrik Ibsen's great 19th-century drama 'A Doll's House,' and by the small town ballads of Sheryl Crow, who graciously allowed us to feature three of her songs in this film," says Stilson. The story is unique, but I believe its appeal is universal-the tale of a sparkling person trapped in a depraved existence."
A majority of the footage for the film was shot in the Cape Girardeau area, from the streets of Cape to the hills of Fredericktown to the swamps of Southern Illinois. In addition, many Southeast students, alumni and faculty were used. Current southeast students Laura Gremaud and Blake Russell and Southeast alumni Nick Cutelli and Mike Culbertson each had principle roles in the film. "They did a great job," says Stilson, "And I'm very proud of their work."
The lofty ambitions for the film go beyond the professional level of production. "Our goal is to get 'Fire Lily' accepted into a number of international film festivals and eventually picked up by a distributor," says Stilson. "It's doubtful you'll see this or any independent film in any mainstream movie theater, but we're hopeful it will be seen on channels like IFC, in art houses and on DVD shelves."
A special viewing for Southeast students and faculty will be available in the Rose Theatre in the Grauel building Saturday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. The general public premiere will be in the same location Friday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. The event is free to the public.
However, the 100 percent homegrown film "Fire Lily" hopes to restore and rejuvenate the reputation of local independent filmmaking in Cape Girardeau.
Dr. Kenneth Stilson has had a hand in many of the theatrical projects of Cape Girardeau over the years. As chair of the department of theatre and dance, his name has been attached to several of the dramatic endeavors performed at Southeast Missouri State. With the creation of the film "Fire Lily," Dr. Stilson's ambitions go from the celebrated stage to the silver screen as he takes on the creative cinematic double duty of writer and director.
Originally created by Dr. Stilson as a stage play, "Fire Lily" received high critical acclaim early on, winning the Critics' Choice Award at the Edward Albee Theatre Festival. After being performed by the heralded American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood, it caught the attention of indie film producer Victor Kantchev, who initially saw the cinematic potential for the play, and stayed on as both the film's producer and financier.
Dr. Stilson pulled from many regional and personal elements for the creation of the story. "It was inspired by my grandfather, who I believed possessed magical powers, by Henrik Ibsen's great 19th-century drama 'A Doll's House,' and by the small town ballads of Sheryl Crow, who graciously allowed us to feature three of her songs in this film," says Stilson. The story is unique, but I believe its appeal is universal-the tale of a sparkling person trapped in a depraved existence."
A majority of the footage for the film was shot in the Cape Girardeau area, from the streets of Cape to the hills of Fredericktown to the swamps of Southern Illinois. In addition, many Southeast students, alumni and faculty were used. Current southeast students Laura Gremaud and Blake Russell and Southeast alumni Nick Cutelli and Mike Culbertson each had principle roles in the film. "They did a great job," says Stilson, "And I'm very proud of their work."
The lofty ambitions for the film go beyond the professional level of production. "Our goal is to get 'Fire Lily' accepted into a number of international film festivals and eventually picked up by a distributor," says Stilson. "It's doubtful you'll see this or any independent film in any mainstream movie theater, but we're hopeful it will be seen on channels like IFC, in art houses and on DVD shelves."
A special viewing for Southeast students and faculty will be available in the Rose Theatre in the Grauel building Saturday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. The general public premiere will be in the same location Friday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. The event is free to the public.
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