First-time filmmaker Matt Creed explores the vulnerability we all experience at some point in life in his debut feature “Lily.” Although Creed shares nothing about himself with us, the film reveals personal, true elements from lead actress Amy Grantham’s life, who co-wrote the film with Creed. “Lily” follows a a young woman reconsidering her life after battling breast cancer in a style reminiscent of Truffaut.
What it’s about: “Lily” is an exploration of a vulnerable period in a young woman’s life as
she finishes treatment for cancer. It deals with the thoughts that
arise during this moment.
About the filmmaker: I don’t know about that.
What else do you want audiences to know about your film? I co-wrote the film with Amy Grantham, who also plays the lead role of
Lily. A lot of the film is based off of Amy’s life and it was written
during this exact moment. I was one of the first people she took her
wig off infront of. What drew me to this story was the realization that
once you get to this really vulnerable head space, no matter how you
got there, cancer or what have you, we’re all the same. I just thought
Amy’s situation was an interesting way of exploring that vulnerability
and found it very relatable. You don’t have to have had cancer or even
know anyone who has had it to relate to this film, it’s just one aspect
of it.
What was your biggest challenge in developing this project? Casting. I like to use non-actors as much as possible, but there were a
few roles that I needed to hold auditions for. I don’t enjoy the
auditioning aspect of filmmaking.
What would you like Tribeca audiences to come away with after seeing your film? I just hope they have some sort of reaction to it, whatever that may be.
The film is left open for interpretation and I hope audiences will
interpret and react to it based off their own experiences.
Did any specific films inspire you? “A Woman Under The Influence,” “Jules and Jim,” “Julien Donkey Boy,” “Damnation,” “300 Blows”
What do you have in the works? I have a script that is near completion and another in the works.
Indiewire
invited Tribeca Film Festival directors to tell us about their films,
including what inspired them, the challenges they faced and what they’re
doing next. We’ll be publishing their responses leading up to the 2013
festival.
Keep checking HERE every day up to the launch of the festival on April 17 for the latest profiles.
Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
