Lemon Eyes

Lemon Eyes began as a summer writing opportunity and a chance to direct my first film in a historic Detroit mansion. What more could I ever want? The project grew immensely from there and soon became a milestone of my career.

When we decided to set the film in the 1920s despite our micro-budget, the amount of heart and tenacity that went into the project skyrocketed. We were all thriving off of the challenge and the energy on set was unlike anything I have ever experienced. The cast and crew went to amazing lengths to ensure it was authentic to the 20s, putting in months of pre-production to ensure the props, wardrobe, and music were true to the era. It was filmed at the historic 1898-Built Bernard Ginsburg House in Detroit, MI and The Oakland Art Novelty Company, a speakeasy in Ferndale, MI. In its select screenings so far, Lemon Eyes has sparked an array of unique audience interpretations and thought-provoking conversations. My intent is for people to leave the film reflecting on the past, present, and future of female experiences.

Chelsey R. Knapp, Writer / Director / Editor