BTL Radio Show – 06/15/2026 with special guest director JAY SILVERMAN discussing YALE

 

 

 

Last week was all about Tribeca Film Festival on BEHIND THE LENS and some wonderful animated short films that had their premieres there.  This week it’s all about Dances With Films, which starts this week on June 18 and runs through June 28 at the TCL Chinese Theatre complex in Hollywood.  And there are some great films for you to look forward to seeing, starting with the opening night film – the world premiere of YALE from director JAY SILVERMAN.

I love this film!  YALE is based on a true story about screenwriter Van Billet’s maternal grandfather. When he first learned about his family lore as a young teen, he couldn’t believe it was true and knew he had to write about it.

YALE is directed by Jay Silverman and written by Van Billet and stars Kevin Dunn, Caitlin McGee, Kathleen Gati, Rachael Harris, Dominic Leeder, Nene Nwoko, and Benjamin Mackey.

Abandoned by her beloved father, Yale Parker, when she was nine, Mackenzie “Mac” Mitchell’s adult life has been consumed with alcohol and run-ins with the law, causing a deep rift with her son, Ryan, 12. When Ryan needs an emergency kidney transplant, his only chance at survival might be the last person Mac wants to ask for help — her father, whom she hasn’t seen for thirty years. Their reunion is complicated when Yale reveals a jaw-dropping secret that he has eight other families that he kept hidden from her all her life…and one of them might be a match to save her son. As this odd couple set off on an epic road trip to track down her half-siblings, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, ultimately both learning that ‘genes’ run deep.

I spoke with director JAY SILVERMAN the other day about YALE.  This is our fourth interview together chatting about his films.  He is always a joy and is so generous of spirit.  And he loves storytelling and making movies. I will always have time for Jay and his films.

Setting YALE head and shoulders above the crowd starts with Kevin Dunn, who plays Yale Parker.  When was the last time you got to see Kevin Dunn – a cinematic and television institution – with a leading role where he got to showcase drama, comedy, and lots and lots of heart?  Beyond the heartfelt script, Kevin is one of the main reasons that make YALE so special.

As you’re about to hear in this exclusive interview with Jay, and forgive the roundaboutness of our conversation as we kind of hit everything backwards and sideways, we cover all the aspects and elements of YALE.  We start by chatting about Kathleen Gati, who plays Bunny, an ex-stripper and current wife of Yale.  Being a die-hard Kathleen Gati fan thanks to her years on “General Hospital”, knowing that she was in the cast was one of the reasons I was excited for YALE, as I know what she brings to the table.  And for all you GH fans and Kathleen Gati fans, do not look to see Mutter, aka Dr. Liesl Obrecht, anywhere in Bunny.  This is another side to Kathleen’s talents that she delights us with as she brings her unique qualities to YALE, including her versatility and comedic talent.  And I’ll be honest with you.  Normally, I don’t excise any part of my conversations with talent unless it’s something off the record or very personal and not to be shared, but I did trim this interview and cut out about 7 minutes of Jay and me discussing “General Hospital.”  Seriously.

As we dove into YALE, Jay shared insights into the casting process, noting that both Kathleen and Rachael Harris (another winner in my book who I will see in anything), though in smaller roles, are crucial to the film’s impact. As we moved into discussion on Kevin Dunn, who plays Yale Parker (also known as Hymie Hymowitz), Jay explained that the story, written by Van Billet, attracted Kevin because of its complexity and blend of comedy and drama, rooted in real-life experiences. We also discussed the challenge and reward of working with child actors, specifically Benjamin Mackey, who plays Ryan, and how his authentic, non-precocious performance adds depth to the film.

The casting process is further detailed, with Jay explaining how Kevin was cast only two months before filming, and how the chemistry between the actors led to the addition of new scenes.  And how about Caitlin McGee as Yale’s daughter Mac?   The dynamic between Kevin and Caitlin McGee is fantastic.  It is the father-daughter relationship you didn’t know you needed!  Then there’s the comedic chemistry between Nene Nwoko as Dr. Ekubo and Kevin, which just soars.  And of course, Dominic Leeder as Ryan’s father and Mac’s ex-husband Josh, does plenty of emotional heavy-lifting and has some very touching scenes with Benjamin Mackey.  Jay emphasizes the organic approach to diversity in the overall casting and the importance of genuine on-screen relationships.

Once again, working with cinematographer Andrew Jeric, they opted for a documentary-style, handheld-camera approach, using wide shots to reflect the characters’ emotional landscapes. Although the film is set in Philadelphia, it was shot in Los Angeles, with authentic B-roll shot in Philly and cutting-edge technology that convincingly recreated the East Coast setting.  Jay explains the logistical and creative reasons for shooting in LA, including access to talent and resources, and the use of innovative technology to capture multiple camera angles simultaneously for an all-important father-daughter road trip and interior car scenes.

Music is another highlight thanks to composer Stefano Tomaselli’s jazz-infused score, which Jay says was inspired by the film “Sideways.” The score was crafted with real instruments and acclaimed musicians, adding to the film’s emotional resonance and period authenticity. Jay also credits his production and costume design teams for their contributions to the film’s look and feel.

Of course, you’ll hear us discuss the film’s themes, including some very important messaging about organ donation.  And we dive into the five-year development process, the importance of honoring the real-life inspiration behind the story, the need to portray flawed but lovable characters, and more!

YALE makes its World Premiere at Dances With Films on June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm PT at the TCL Chinese Theatres.

Giving you a heads-up now to join me again next week, as you’ll hear from more DWF filmmakers!  And there will be more interviews and reviews popping up on behindthelensonline.net between now and the festival’s end on June 28th, including a conversation with Michael Glover Smith talking about HELKA, and Doug Bremner chatting about the very interesting THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG.   Another film you need to check out at DWF is the hilarious comedy  OUT OF ORDER, which has its LA Premiere on June 22nd.  I spoke with filmmaker Guy Jacobson last year when it started its festival journey, and it is beyond laugh-out-loud funny.  And who doesn’t love Tiki Mugs?  I know my longtime friend Nancy loves Tiki Bars and mugs, so the documentary CABALI AND THE TIKI MUG OBSESSION is right up her alley, and hopefully yours, and has its DWF LA premiere on June 20th.   There are so many DWF films I am loving this year!

I encourage anyone in the LA area to go to the Dances With Films website and buy your tickets now – especially for the Opening Night World Premiere of YALE on June 18th at 7:30pm at the TCL Chinese Theatres!

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