Diving in deep in this exclusive interview with writer/director/editor and actor MICHELLE EHLEN as she talks about her latest film, MAYBE SOMEDAY.
It has long been said that when writing a story, a book, a novel, a story, or a film, write about what you know. It brings authenticity and resonance that is grounded in real emotion and truth. And that’s exactly what writer/director MICHELLE EHLEN does with MAYBE SOMEDAY, an engaging and hopeful film.
Drawing on her own divorce and cross-country move west as a foundation for MAYBE SOMEDAY, Ehlen stars as Jay, a non-binary photographer in her 40s, battling denial and depression during a forced “time out” from her wife Lily. Ever hopeful that Lily will “find herself”, Jay’s denial that the marriage may actually be over is so strong that it is almost crippling. Stopping at the home of high school best friend Jess to regroup before moving onward to Los Angeles or heading back to Lily, so desperate for love and companionship and stuck in the past, Jay gets mired in memories of her unrequited secret love for Jess, a torch she held long before ever coming out as a lesbian.
Crawling deeper and deeper inside herself, wallowing in past dreams of Jess and fear of confessing same now, as well as her past with Lily and love in general, Jay is stuck; that is until she meets Tommy, a gregarious, outgoing gay man who long ago gave up on love. Slowly, without her realizing it, Jay starts getting out of her own way (but for constantly checking her old-school cell phone for hoped-for texts from Lily) thanks to Tommy. A friendship develops that is real and engaging. There is laughter and joy and lots of hijinks, including a drag show with Jay and Tommy as the “stars” that brings out the best in everyone. But what happens when not a text, but a phone call comes from Lily. Is Jay ready for whatever comes next?
Written and directed by Ehlen, MAYBE SOMEDAY not only finds Michelle slao starring as protagonist “Jay”, but showcases the talents of Chad Steers, Shaela Cook, Jeneen Robinson, Cameron Norman, Jessica Graham, and a standout performance by Eliza Blair as the Young Jay.
One of the most energetic and enthusiastic filmmakers who I have spoken with over my past almost 40 years as a film critic, MICHELLE EHLEN is a delight. Passionate and joyous about her craft, Michelle has a great grasp on the cinematic elements of storytelling and uses them to excellent advantage to bring this story to life, starting with the story itself. Finding a perfect balance of comedy and, a first for Michelle – drama, Michelle calls on the talents of cinematographer Wenting Deng Fisher to develop visual metaphor that is effective and engaging. Sharp editing by Michelle herself, not only keeps the story moving, but keeps her eye on the ball – the POV of protagonist Jay.
Diving into the deep end of filmmaking, MICHELLE EHLEN talks about all things MAYBE SOMEDAY from story development to test screenings to cinematography to editing and pace, to casting and collaborative performance to lessons learned and, of course, the excitement of the film’s virtual premiere on April 1st at Cinequest Film Festival.
TAKE A LISTEN. . .
by debbie elias, exclusive interview March 29, 2022
MAYBE SOMEDAY makes its world premiere at Cinequest Film Festival CINEJOY! being held virtually April 1-17, 2022.
