WATERVILLE – “Tumbledown” brought a first-ever sold-out show to the Waterville Opera House Friday night for the kick-off to Maine’s International Film Festival.
“Being handed the five Maine films for this year’s festival was the best gift,” announced Ken Eisen, the director of programming for MIFF. “When I saw Tumbledown I thought, ‘wow.’ That is going to be our opening night film.”
It was Eisen’s job to review every movie submitted and decided on the best line-up for the festival. “There are 100 films in this year’s festival and each one is as good as the one you’ll see tonight. I hope you’ll join us for the other 99.”
This is the 18th year for MIFF and never before have they hosted a sold-out show.
Whether this is a testament to the strong bond between the town of Waterville and the festival, or evidence of the hearty support that Colby college offers or a combination of many efforts and care, one thing was apparent: the opening night’s film hit close to home.
“Raise your hand if you knew me growing up,” Desi Van Til asked attendees with a laugh, as she introduced Tumbledown, the movie she wrote and executively produced. Her husband and director of the film, Sean Mewshaw, stood next to her. Hands flew up, people hooted and hollered from the packed house. “I know this sounds corny,” Van Til continued, “but this movie is for you guys. It’s a celebration of an amazing hometown.”
The celebration is apparent in Van Til’s honest and affectionate portrayal of Farmington, which is where she and the main character, Hannah, grew up. Van Til included a little bit of everything. From Mainer idioms: “Jeezum crow boss,” to the 15-year-old boy – like any Mt. Blue High School kid – trying to impress the ladies on his 4-wheeler.
This seemed to be the biggest qualm about the movie from locals: why wasn’t that 15-year-old boy actually played by a Mt. Blue student? Why wasn’t Tumbledown actually filmed in Farmington?
“We tried three times,” Van Til explained afterwards during a question-and-answer session with the audience. “We actually tried to get a bill passed just for us. In the end it’s not really up to us, it’s up to our investors.”
Janet Mills of Farmington and Maine’s Attorney General, sat in the front row of the Opera House. Mills was a big advocate for Van Til and Mewshaw when she served as the state representative for Farmington in their struggle to film in Maine and worked hard to get a bill passed that might have allowed them to do so. The bill was killed in the final stages, which made filming in Farmington an unaffordable endeavor.
“It was an extremely frustrating experience. Perhaps one of the most frustrating things I dealt with in legislation,” Mills said. “It was during a time when pennies were really being pinched but it should have been filmed here. It would have been super for our community. On the other hand I got to know Desi and Sean, which was a huge benefit.”
Despite these limitations, Van Til and Mewshaw captured a nearly flawless Farmington on screen, using a few shots from its actual streets, and those of Concord, Mass., as a stand in. People from away will never know the difference.
Even the craggy rock face of Tumbledown, in Weld’s backyard, looked familiar. The movie, a romantic comedy with some added layers of sadness and soul searching, tells the story of a young widow trying to move pass her husband’s early death by writing a biography about his career as a musician. The widow, Hannah, played by Rebecca Hall, is joined by city mouse Andrew, Jason Sudeikis, an admirer of Hannah’s late husband’s music. The two begin the project of the biography, amidst the color of the local characters.
Many of the inspirations for these characters sat in the audience of the Waterville Opera House. The bookstore owner, the neighbor, the childhood friend, the father- all carrying the vital details that make Farmington such a good story.
“We’ve watched this movie about 100 times,” Van Til said after the credits rolled with familiar names, “but this was by far the most fun. You guys noticed things that other people wouldn’t have noticed. You laughed at the Uncle Henry’s part,” Van Til said with excitement. “There’s nothing like watching it in a room full of people who it resonates with.”
In February 2016 Tumbledown will hit theaters nationwide, making it possible for anyone to find their story within Hannah and Andrew’s, a characteristic that is rare in movies these days.
The story is accessible and leaves its echoes in your thoughts. Maybe it’s Hannah’s red truck, or Andrew’s search for his own answers. Maybe it’s the haunting and beautiful music that you can’t stop thinking of. Maybe it’s the stunning images of blue mountains and frozen lakes, a “place where seasons are earned.” Or maybe it’s that deep well of love for someone, that is so beautifully portrayed through Van Til’s writing and Mewshaw’s vision. In whatever way it may be, Tumbledown is sure to settle close to your heart.
Click here to read Amber’s interview with Desi Van Til.
Why couldn’t this be filmed in Maine? Sure would help our economy for a brief time.
Congratulations to Desi and Sean for all they’ve accomplished. Jane and I loved the film and wish them both even more success going forward.
It was a wonderful evening sitting amongst a crowd of locals who all knew Desi and her family. Steve, Keith and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The film was a real success, the commentary was heartfelt, emotions were high, the crowd was pleased. It was a refreshing story and a well done film (to echo Bruce Ibarguen’s comment.) The only thing missing was Linda’s presence; heal quickly and feel better soon. Congratulations to our hometown girl and her guy; we love you Desi and Sean!
Moviepass — when Desi Van Til spoke at UMF a few months ago she said she’d really hoped to make the film in Maine but found that it was not feasible due to the tax breaks and such that Massachusetts provides.