Can
Filmmaker Kailee McGee’s world turns sideways with a late-stage breast cancer diagnosis. She’s in the middle of treatment but just beginning to reevaluate reality, love, and identity while being sick. Kailee loses track of where her cancer journey ends and her life begins. As the voice inside her head toggles between existential crisis and self-actualization, Kailee resorts to the only way she knows how to heal: figure out a way to watch a version of her journey unfold on a screen.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Editor/Actor Kailee McGee
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Making films is the way I process whatever is happening in my life; it's how I have always translated what is inspiring me or haunting me within my world. At the end of 2022, I was suddenly diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. My world turned upside down overnight. So, I did the only thing I could think of to get myself to the other side of treatment—I made a film about it.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film if you've ever wanted to fast forward through a chapter of life or if you've ever questioned who is the real version of you.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film is super personal. I use myself, my life, and my experiences as a canvas to ask bigger, universal questions about ego and identity.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The film evolved a lot in post-production, though it's very reflective of the original script. I was navigating my real-life journey with cancer while editing the film version. It was a balancing act of honoring what was true in the script with infusing pieces of my growing current perspectives.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We haven't shared the film with many people yet. The feedback we have received has been super supportive. People seem delighted that the film is both emotional and funny. And, people dig that it is self-aware.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am hoping to expand my reach and find a new audience for this film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We are looking for journalists, film festival directors, and distributors to help us amplify our film and its message.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
This is the most honest piece of art I have ever made. I tried to translate all of my fears, dreams, and questions into this film. For a year and a half, I was essentially hiding from the world and social media, and now with this film, I feel ready to share this piece of my journey. I hope that people feel the heart and vulnerability of this story.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Does making art have the power to heal and transform?
Interview: March 2024
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Can
Filmmaker Kailee McGee’s world turns sideways with a late-stage breast cancer diagnosis. She’s in the middle of treatment but just beginning to reevaluate reality, love, and identity while being sick. Kailee loses track of where her cancer journey ends and her life begins. As the voice inside her head toggles between existential crisis and self-actualization, Kailee resorts to the only way she knows how to heal: figure out a way to watch a version of her journey unfold on a screen.
Director: Kailee McGee
Producer: JP Bolles
Writer: Kailee McGee
About the writer, director and producer:
KAILEE MCGEE is an award-winning artist, filmmaker, and writer. She makes content for screens of all sizes and real life too. Her work frequently blurs the line between reality and fiction and life and art. In 2024, Kailee will premiere her new motion picture, Can, at the SXSW Film Festival, which will also showcase her latest short film, music video hybrid, My Idea. Kailee has directed numerous commercials, music videos, short films, and long films. Her cinematic experience, The Idea of a You, premiered on NOWNESS in 2022 after being featured at the Tribeca Film Festival. In 2019, Kailee garnered attention with her multi-faceted role as a writer, director, producer, and performer in her celebrated short film, The Person I Am When No One Is Looking, which premiered on Vulture. Kailee was born in Tucson, Arizona and raised in Laguna Beach, California. She studied at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and now lives in Los Angeles.
JP BOLLES is a filmmaker and creative director with 15 years of experience working in film and advertising. He currently leads creative at Sandwich, an award-winning full-service agency known as Silicon Valley’s most sought-after video partner. He has directed over 50 commercials, including spots for Uber, Shopify, Lyft, Instacart, and Figma. Most recently, JP produced the independent film Can, which will premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in 2024. JP grew up in Mountain Valley, California and now lives in Los Angeles with his partner and cat, Supper.
Key cast: Kailee McGee (Kailee), Mamoudou Athie (The Boyfriend), Whitmer Thomas (Whit), Ellyn Jameson (The Photographer), Greta Titelman (The Actress), Nori Reed (The Makeup Artist)
Looking for: distributors, buyers, film festival directors
Instagram: @kittypawsxoxo
Website: canthemotionpicture.com
Other: IMDb
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
SXSW/Austin