Tessa Blake Talks ‘If I Tell You’ Collaboration With Carol Kane And Shooting In The Boundary Waters

Now playing in select cities, If I Tell You is a suspenseful and evocative family drama from filmmaker Tessa Blake. Based on Lisa O’Donnell’s novel Closed Doors, the indie film centers on Michael (Etienne Kellici), a 12-year-old boy who attempts to figure out why his mother (Allison Miller) came home one evening with a black eye. Blake talked to Deepest Dream about working with Kellici, collaborating with co-star Carol Kane, and why Minnesota’s Boundary Waters was the perfect place to shoot If I Tell You.

If I Tell You co-stars Bill Heck as Brian, the family patriarch and Kennedi Butler as Alice, Michael’s best friend. Carol Kane plays Michael’s caring and refreshingly unpredictable grandmother. Rounding out the ensemble are Christopher Jackson, and Carmela Zumbado.

Although the ensemble for this indie is top notch, If I Tell You’s effectiveness lies in Etienne Kellici’s realistic performance as the understandably concerned Michael. “Etienne is an extraordinary actor, and the performance he gives in this movie is world class,” said Tessa Blake. “To carry a whole movie with emotional simplicity and connection is very different than showing up for a scene or two. A lot of child actors are smart, and so they know what they’re supposed to say or what they’re supposed to do. Etienne was the kid that just let it bubble up. He is amazing, and I am so pleased for the world to see how extraordinary he is.”

Extraordinary is word that also fits Carol Kane. “She is an icon (and) an extraordinarily generous actor,” said Blake. “I think sometimes the thing that you may not know as a viewer watching Carol, because she portrays such quirky characters (is) she’s really brilliant. She is a really brilliant storyteller, and her incisive questions of me as a director were just perfectly challenging. (Carol) is an incredible actor from her head to her heart, and she is a loving presence on set.”

The original novel was set in Scotland, and although a part of Blake’s childhood consisted of living in that country, she had always wanted to tell an American story. “A lot of people in my family struggle,” added Blake. “Economically struggle – and people’s futures got left behind by advancing technology or jobs moving abroad. We wanted to find an environment where that was authentic to the place (and) an place where the great natural beauty is sustaining and creates a sense of adventure for the kids. And (where) their playground is immense.”

“Among the places where there were tax credits and support, we fell in love with the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota, and it was just perfect for the story.”

Full interview with Tessa Blake:

If I Tell You plays at Ely’s Historic State Theater through September 3rd. Check out the movie’s official website for more info and future screening dates!

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