Ep793: Qualities of MERCY: An Interview with Filmmaker / Actress EMILY LAPE

Ian talks with filmmaker/actress Emily Lape about leaving Hollywood and finding a vibrant community in Chicago's indie film scene.

The writer/director of 2018's Mercy’s Girl opens up about putting together her debut feature (which draws on several difficult real-life experiences) and how landing a pivotal role in Michael Glover Smith's 2022 film Relative helped her rediscover the joys of creating art with grounded, talented people.

This wide-ranging conversation touches on growing up a pastor's daughter; the writings of Sam Shepard; an uptick in indie filmmakers tackling the supernatural, and what's next on the horizon for Emily!

Chicagoland Friends! Join Ian and Emily next Monday night (8/22/22) at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove, IL, for a special After Hours Film Society screening of Relative!

Following the 7:30pm show, Keeping it Reel's David Fowlie will host a Q&A with Emily and co-stars Elizabeth Stam, Melissa DuPrey, and writer/director Michael Glover Smith! It'll be a night to remember!

Click here for tickets and more information!

Show Links:

• Watch the Mercy’s Girl (2018) trailer.

• Watch the Relative (2022) trailer.

• Read Rebecca Martin's 2019 Cinema Femme interview with Emily (mentioned in the episode).

• Read Matt Fagerholm's 2019 Indie Outlook interview with Emily and Mercy’s Girl co-star Alison Hixson (mentioned in the episode).

• Read Ian's written review of Relative.

• Watch Ian and David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel review Relative.

• Subscribe to, like, and comment on the Kicking the Seat YouTube channel!