Under the Lantern Lit Sky is a Southern gothic tale of star-crossed lovers, told in the great tradition of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. This is the backstory of one of drama’s most fascinating characters, Blanche DuBois. Taken from a page in Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche’s backstory comes to life in this feature-length narrative film interpretation.

The film begins as Blanche unwittingly marries a gay man, the inspiration taken from a single page in the original Williams’ script. Although it is a period piece, it is a film that resonates with current themes of sexuality, trauma, gender identity, and isolation. The screenplay was written by Jaclyn Bethany, and Michelle Bossy says, “is deeply personal to me, as I married a man who came out recently as a homosexual.”

The main character, Blanche, is a fragile bird desperately searching for love and affection from her husband Allen. When she discloses her assault to her sister, she is shut down; when she questions her husband’s motives, she is gaslit. Through vulnerable storytelling and nuanced performances, Blanche and Allen’s tragic love affair is revealed.  

Under the Lantern Lit Sky is Michelle Bossy’s first feature: an independent art film that was shot for under 100K.  Says Bossy, “we shot the film on location in New Orleans, capturing the lush, evocative world of the South.” The cast is comprised of a diverse theater ensemble, highlighted by an original score written by Dalal Bruchmann and Maesa Pullman. As a first-generation Latina woman, whose father was born in Sonora, MX, telling diverse, dynamic stories has always been of the utmost importance to the filmmaker. 

WORLD PREMIERE AT BROOKLYN FILM FESTIVAL JUNE 12, 2021 at 9pm

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About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.