DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Lemon Eyes started as a summer writing opportunity. When we decided to set the film in the 1920s despite our micro-budget, the amount of heart and tenacity that went into the project skyrocketed. We were all thriving off of the challenge and the energy on set was unlike anything I have ever experienced. The cast and crew went to amazing lengths to ensure it was authentic to the 20s, putting in 6 months of pre-production to ensure the props, wardrobe, and music were true to the era. It was filmed at the historic 1898-Built Bernard Ginsburg House in Detroit, MI and The Oakland Art Novelty Company, a speakeasy in Ferndale, MI.
With 30 film festival acceptances, 15 awards, and 7 nominations to its name, Lemon Eyes has sparked an array of unique audience interpretations and thought-provoking conversations. My intent is for the audience to experience an obscured history that still has strong residual effects in our current world. I hope it inspires people to continue exploring the sea of bat-shit history that's out there, just waiting to become another film.
Chelsey R. Knapp, Writer / Director / Editor