Experiencing Interruptions?

Willy and Madie B (our summer of despair)

Early morning. The beach. An older woman, Madie B, walks into the water fully dressed and disappears. Willy has been taking picture and is alarmed at Madie's disappearance. When Madie emerges, Willy goes to her and is determined to help her though Madie B wants to be alone. Madie B is a former known opera singer who lost her voice and career. Through the course of the day at the beach, zoo and park Willy learns that Madie B is depressed about her future and the condition of the world -- our government and climate change. They encounter what they believe are two older homeless men, a young couple and others who influence Madie's perspective. Madie B, deciding she likes Willy's attention, teaches Willy "A Son to the Moon" from Dvorak's Opera "Rusalka."

  • June Pyskacek
    Director
    Wrote and directed films: Fifty, Harry's and numerous plays in Chicago and New York.
  • June Pyskacek
    Writer
    see above
  • June Pyskacek
    Producer
    see above
  • Linda Gates
    Key Cast
    "Madie B"
    Films and Shakespear Roles in U.S. and Prague.
  • Kathleen Hall
    Key Cast
    "Willy"
    Actress and singer in films Fifty and Harry's
  • Larry Hart
    Key Cast
    "Len"
    Numerous roles in film and theatre
  • Devyn Johnson
    Key Cast
    "Judy"
    Various productions at Northwestern University Theatre
  • Paul Brennam
    Key Cast
    "Evan"
    Chicago film maker, musician, and actor
  • Russ Case
    Key Cast
    "Ron"
    Chicago Actor, musician, and Artist
  • Paul Brennan
    Production
    Director of Photography
  • Larry Hat
    Production
    Editor
  • Skip Green
    Production
    Music
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    36 minutes 20 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    7,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Illinois International Film Festival
    Aurora
    United States
    May 18, 2018
    North American premiere
  • Best Shorts Competition
    La Jolla, CA
    United States
    April 6, 2020
    Best Shorts Competition
    WINNER: Award of recognition, women filmmakers / Official Selection
Director Biography - June Pyskacek

June Pyskacek has been a theatre director in Chicago and New York for most of her adult life. GREASE, the musical, was developed and she produced it in her theatre, The Kingston Mines in Chicago, and and then moved to Broadway.. She began writing, directing, and producing her films in the last 5 years including FIFTY, HARRY'S, and WILLY and MADIE B.

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Director Statement

Writing and directing film has been an exhilarating experience that has kept me engaged with the actors , designer, and musicians that I have collaborated with in the past as well as with new young actors. In all my films I've been interested in exploring problems of aging and learning to adapt in a changing world.
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