The producers of a motion picture currently being filmed in Ely have changed their minds about the film’s title following pushback from local residents. Recently, the movie’s producer, told the Timberjay that they were changing the working title of the film from its original moniker, “Athens” to “Boundary Waters,” to reflect the change in film location.
“(The plot) was originally set in Athens, N.Y.,” Miller remarked. “When we changed locations, we changed the title.”
The production has now reverted to using the old working title of “Athens.”
“I thought the new title was pretty much set in stone,” Miller told the Timberjay, “but we received feedback from some in the community who thought, perhaps, that we were making an environmental film.”
Miller and her film company have worked hard to be good neighbors and to mesh well with the Ely area community. She was surprised when the movie crew heard some opposition to the name change.
“The film has nothing to do about mining or the environmental issues involving the Boundary Waters (Canoe Area Wilderness). We don’t want to leave that impression and we don’t want to upset people in the community.” As a result, Miller said the crew will go back to using the working title “Athens.”
“Athens” is a coming-of-age movie about a 12-year-old boy named Michael. His mother is raped and his parents and grandmother try to cover up the event. The movie is told from Michael’s perspective as he tries to uncover the facts of what happened to his mother.