MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – ‘My Sister’ a short film written and produced by Negaunee native Dan Aho premiered tonight at the Marquette Regional History Center. The film stars fellow NMU Alumni Jessica “Red” Bays and Han Numinen who star as sisters estranged by addiction.
The short film was shot entirely with Marquette County including locations such as Teal Lake and and the city of Negaunee. However, the film’s location wasn’t always set in the Upper Peninsula. Aho says it’s a change that had a major impact on the outcome of the film.
“It kind of brought out themes that weren’t present in the L.A. version. And so being able to know the places, we could shoot this here or that there, it gives a feeling for this scene or tries to explain what the character is going through, knowing those places made it easier too.”
The film deals with themes of addiction. Bays wants the audience to confront these themes honestly and create a space for discussion.
‘It’s seemed rather taboo for a while for anyone to talk about addiction in their family, openly, it was always sort of a secret. I think we have to to a place as a society in which we are able to more openly discuss that and meet one another, talk and share moments that i think help with rehabilitation.”
Aho said that working on the film helped him to process various trauma related to addiction in his own life. He also encourages more local artists to follow their passion. His next work will also be shot in Marquette County, however it will be very different in nature.
‘Here to Help’ is a look at a dystopian future where AI has become deeply integrated into our lives. Filming for ‘Here to Help’ will begin in mid April. For more information regarding ‘My Sister’ visit the Marquette Regional History Center’s website and Youtube Channel.
