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Seattle, WA (May 2003)
“This
might sound a little weird… but do you know what day it is?” asks
Roy in Cross Films’ new short film, “Afterthought.” Premiering
at the 2003 Seattle International Film Festival, “Afterthought” tells
an unusual story of a cowboy and his magical harmonica.
Michael Cross is a native of Ellensburg, WA, where the movie takes place. “Most
of the actual filming took place in Snohomish since it’s a much
shorter drive,” says Cross. “But we felt it still captures
the warmth and beauty we were looking for,” adds Cinematographer
Charles Dye.
Roy (played by musician Adam Boesel), is a modern day cowboy. He doesn’t
have a horse or a lasso, just an old harmonica that he plays like a charm.
And he’s about to find out that his harmonica is no ordinary one.
Macaela (actor Celia Beasley) is a lone traveler in need of companionship,
and who has a weakness for harmonica tunes. Though their fates seem inextricably
linked, they can never quite seem to match each other’s rhythm.
Roy discovers that somehow his life has literally become out of sync
with Macaela’s, and must figure out how, with the help of his harmonica,
to set things straight. Destiny and chaos collide in this serendipitous
independent film.
Writer/Director Michael Cross drew from his own experience as inspiration
for the film. “We all know what it is like to be on a different
timeline as someone else. I wanted to create a story that forces that
circumstance on two people and let them deal with it in their relationship.”
In a film where a harmonica is practically a principal character, it’s
no surprise the soundtrack was a major focus. Music from Seattle bands Creeping
Time and Jerry & the PhilBillys are featured in the film,
as well as an original score by Billy Hale. “I wanted the harmonica
to be played for real, without having to lip-sync,” adds Cross.
When you hear Adam Boesel playing his own harmonica solos in the film,
you understand what Cross means.
“It’s a wonderful honor to be accepted into SIFF, as it’s one
of the most influential film festivals in the country,” says Cross. The
Seattle International Film Festival is the largest festival in the US, screening
nearly 300 feature and short films from over 50 different countries. “Afterthought” was
chosen out of 958 short film submissions to this years festival.
Having broader appeal than just Washington State, the film has also been
accepted into the da Vinci Days Film Festival in Corvallis, Oregon. Corvallis
is also the hometown for Associate Producer Deirdre Coulter, who will
be attending the festival during the 3rd weekend in July. “We’re
submitting ‘Afterthought’ to many more festivals and are keeping
our fingers crossed!” says Coulter.
To view the 60-second trailer for “Afterthought” online, as
well as samples of Cross’s other current projects, just visit www.CrossFilms.com.
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