Take 5 with "A Quiet Little Marriage"

The 7th annual Oxford Film Festival is getting closer every day. Before we kick off another fun-packed festival, we thought we would take five with filmmakers and get to know them just a little better.


Mary Elizabeth Ellis, star of "Quiet Little Marriage" and Laurel, Miss native shares with us a bit about the film, directed by Mo Perkins.  "Quiet Little Marriage" screens Friday, Feb. 5 t 4:45 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. 

OFF: In 10 words, describe your movie and why someone should see it. How about 12?

ME: Family, the ones we are born into and the ones we create.

OFF: Biggest lesson learned in getting the film made? Best part in getting the film made?

ME: Make sure you surround yourself with talented and dedicated people. The entire process, from the way we developed the story (using a Mike Leigh/John Cassavetes style development process), to the writing of the script, to the shooting of what we had worked on so hard was such an amazing process. 

As an actress my opportunities for work are usually subject to the audition process. Taking control of my work was the best part for me, such an empowering feeling.

OFF: Tell us about you. What is your movie making background?

ME: This is the first feature film made by the director, Mo Perkins, the lead actress, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, the d.p., Eric Zimmerman, and one of the producers, Tamara Maloney. All of the previous listed as well as our lead actor, Cy Carter did work together on the short "Piss Hat" which is Mo Perkins' graduate thesis for UCLA film school.

OFF:  What’s your dream distribution plan for the film? 

ME: Our film has been purchased for distribution by IFC. We are so thrilled to have been able to sell it, and we look forward to sharing it with as many people as we possibly can.

OFF: What’s the future hold in store for your film and for you?

ME:  See above:)