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Ely Echo Editorial
There was even a red carpet rolled out at the Twin Cities Film Festival as the filmed-in-Ely movie “Boundary Waters” made its public premiere on Oct. 18.
The story doesn’t pertain directly to Ely but the scenery is very recognizable. From the Post Office to City Hall to the Ely School District to the Section 30 pits to Zaverl’s Bar, there are plenty of recognizable locations. There’s even some familiar faces along the way in this story about a family dealing with rape.
While the storyline is serious, there’s still plenty to smile about in this screenplay by Jennifer Manocherian and Tessa Blake. Based upon the novel “Closed Doors” by Lisa O’Donnell, the movie was produced by Erin Mae Miller and filmed largely at a house on Harvey Street.
A number of the actors and a group of Ely folks watched the premiere in St. Louis Park and the reaction was all positive. The movie could be picked up and shown in Ely at the Ely Film Festival in March. Let’s hope there is an extended run here following the festival.
We won’t spoil the story, but we will give credit where credit is due, including to a number of familiar names as the credits rolled at the end of the movie. Included was this: “Ely, Minnesota - An amazing town and community which welcomed us with generosity and grace.”
Here are a portion of the credits that have a local connection: BTS Photographer Mike Fitzgerald Extras Casting Peta Barrett; Extras Casting Assistant Jennifer Kaufenberg Production Assistants include Brett Ross, Ian Law, Michelle Moore, Lance Karasti, Layne Kaufenberg Drivers included Anne Johnson, Doug Karina, Dave Anderson, Ted Krueger and Bruce Farkas Stand Ins included Anne Johnson, Nels Majerus, Jean Gendreau, Dickie Brooks, Frank Udovich, Salem Houle, Presly Marzella and Amy Kromer Location Managers: Jacob White and Deven Bromme; Locations Scouts Peta Barrett and Jenny Bergstedt Art work by Cecilia Rolando Catering Joshua Brang, Thomas Brugger, Mason Wickert, August Cedergren, Sarah Murn, Lou Wiggen Set Medics Kate Batten and Alyssa Nelson Archival Footage provided by Jim Brandenburg, Shutterstock, Friends of the Boundary Waters and KBJR Photo Studio Curt Laine “Robots on Death Row” Written and performed by Paul Metsa Special Thanks: The many background actors who gave of their time and talents; Virginia, Minnesota - Home of the best candy store in America; Ely, Minnesota - An amazing town and community which welcomed us with generosity and grace.
The Producers Wish to Thank: Ely Echo, Timberjay, Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, Ely Memorial High School, Ely Washington Elementary School, Ely First Presbyterian Church, Ely Fire Department, Morse-Fall Lake Fire Department, Grand Ely Lodge (Ely’s Second Town Hall), Jasper Co. Resort, Northern Grounds Coffee Shop, City of Duluth, MN, Chad Brekke, Jerry Fink & Ely Clown Band, Jessica Dusich, Mayor Heidi Omerza, Marlene Zorman, Police Chief Chad Houde, Wilderness Wood Fire Pizza Truck St. Louis County, MN Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation When you get a chance, watch the movie. Take in the familiar scenery and a well-told story.
You will be glad you did.
