DAME Featured in American Cinematographer Magazine

DAME and our brilliant Director of Photography Katharine White are profiled in the July 2021 issue of American Cinematographer Magazine. We are honored to be featured in the official publication of the American Society of Cinematographers and the world’s premiere trade magazine on cinematography since 1920.

Cinematographer Katharine White adds a sensitive visual approach to this short film about actor Elizabeth Taylor.

“Few classical Hollywood stars were more recognizable for both their professional and personal lives than Elizabeth Taylor. Writer-actor-producer Grace Kendall wanted to give Taylor’s story a nuanced treatment in Dame — a short-form production that follows the late actor on her first day back at work on the set of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof following the sudden death of her husband Mike Todd.

‘I’d wanted to tell Elizabeth Taylor’s story for a long time,’ says Kendall, who bears a physical resemblance to the Golden Age icon. ‘I wrote about this moment in Elizabeth’s life to tell the story of a woman overcoming a tragic loss and stepping into her power.’

 

Read the full article here: Finding Strength: Dame

© Kaylin Mae Photography

DAME: 2021 Oscar-Qualifying Short Film

 
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In 2021 DAME qualified for the 93rd Academy Awards in the Live Action Short Film category — making it the first Elizabeth Taylor biopic to ever qualify for the Oscars.

“DAME is the undiscovered gem of the Oscar race. And the first Elizabeth Taylor biopic to ever qualify for consideration. After last year’s JUDY win, I think it’s Elizabeth Taylor’s turn.”

- The Drill Magazine

The DAME Official Trailer is now live. Contact us at damethefilm@gmail.com for a private screener.

"Oscar-Worthy" Review of DAME in The Drill Magazine

Editor Jennica Schwartzman of ‘The Drill’ calls DAME: “An Oscar Worthy Monument To Elizabeth Taylor’s Command And Courage.”

“Actress Grace Kendall is quietly electric. Instantly, we are entranced by her intensity. Visually pulling back, the stark period-authentic sets transport us. I’m halfway in my memory of this iconic film set and halfway in the present, as if to be invited behind a private curtain to the golden age of Hollywood. Actress Grace Kendall has completely hypnotized me in her trance, I’m suddenly watching Elizabeth Taylor discreetly discover something unknown to us. She is suddenly lost without the strength to stand. Slowly, she is released to escape into her dressing room. I was struck by the imaginative use of light and the subtle support it brought to her almost entirely internal quest for … something. Something important.”

“The camera seamlessly keeps us connected throughout close encounters with screaming eyes and walking between the false magic of sets and the garden of solace. The adjustments between the harsh lights of the sound stage and the soft glow of the dressing room pulls us into greater intimacy. The use of music to support a modern retelling is a surprisingly welcome layer that elevates the work beyond a historical appreciation piece. The point of view is strong. It’s incredibly painful to experience, so much so that I immediately watched it a second time, desiring the right kind of emotional ‘coaster that makes us feel alive. This retelling of a historic moment is invigorating. An undiscovered gem of the Oscar race. And the first Elizabeth Taylor biopic to ever qualify for consideration. After last year’s JUDY win, I think it’s Elizabeth Taylor’s turn.”

Read the full review here.

DAME Film Review on Chicago Film Scene

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DAME has received another glowing film review, this time from Rob McNeil of ChicagoFilmScene.com:

“Many will likely be unaware of the tragedy that befell one of the landmark actresses in cinematic history, Elizabeth Taylor. A very confident creative team sought to bring this story to life in this serene short film. Led by the direction of Foster Wilson, written by and starring the lovely Grace Kendall, and remarkably well shot by Katharine White - this short film chronicles Dame Elizabeth Taylor as she fights through grief and hardship in the wake of her husband's tragic passing. The film in which she delivered one of her most iconic lines and battled her way to one of her greatest performances was in ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.’”

The review culminates in Mr. McNeil’s official ‘Verdict’ on the film:

“Carried by Grace Kendall's vibrant and transformative performance, DAME is a wholly effective and affecting short drama that brings to life a story about the legendary actress that many might find themselves ignorant to. Boasting gorgeous cinematography by Katharine White, the film expertly tells this deeply emotional story using the visual medium in ways only cinema can. Featuring assured direction by Foster Wilson, the story comes to life thanks to creative directorial choices that communicate to the viewer using beautifully transcendent cinematic language. As stated, the three work tremendously well as a creative team and I would very much look forward to their future collaborations.

Overall, DAME is not only a visual treat, but it is also compulsory viewing for anyone fascinated by film history and fans of Elizabeth Taylor alike. The film works well as a mini biopic for that moment in Taylor's thespian career and is a wonderful showcase for Grace Kendall as a budding film star.”

Read the full review here.


Interview with Grace Kendall & Foster Wilson on North Carolina Radio Station WCHL

In November, filmmakers Grace Kendall and Foster Wilson spoke with Aaron Keck at WCHL about their short film DAME in advance of the 15th Annual Carrboro Film Fest:

“Both Kendall and Foster are native North Carolinians, being from Durham and Chapel Hill originally, and have found immense success with DAME in multiple film festivals across the country. The film offers a vulnerable first-person perspective of the strength and perseverance of Elizabeth Taylor as she handled tragedy and fame.”

Listen to the full 15-minute interview here.