New Film Shot in Bangor by Maine-Born Katie Aselton

Katie Aselton, a well-known figure in American independent cinema, quietly completed her latest directorial effort, "Their Town," in the city of Bangor, Maine. The filming, which began in November 2024 and lasted approximately two weeks, was carried out in near-total secrecy. Aselton, renowned for both her acting and directing careers, chose to work with a very small and highly focused team on this project. The film tells the story of two young people who forge a connection through major emotional and philosophical questions, starring Chosen Jacobs and Aselton's 18-year-old daughter, Ora Duplass. The fact that Ora Duplass is experiencing her first foray into cinema with this film has made the project even more meaningful and personal for the Aselton family.

Katie Aselton's choice of Bangor as a filming location is no coincidence; the director has a very strong and deep-rooted connection with Maine. Aselton grew up in the town of Milbridge, Maine, and graduated from Narraguagus High School in 1996. Along with her husband, renowned actor/producer Mark Duplass, who was nominated for an Emmy for "The Morning Show," she had previously undertaken projects in Maine. The couple's micro-budget debut feature film, "The Puffy Chair," shot over 20 years ago, was also filmed in this state. Written by Mark Duplass, "Their Town" holds the distinction of being the third film the couple has shot in Maine. This situation highlights both the family's commitment to independent cinema and their deep love for their home state.

The director states that the atmosphere of Bangor played a decisive role in the narrative. Noting that Mark Duplass wrote the screenplay with Bangor already in mind, Aselton believes the city has a unique character that makes one feel as if time has stood still. The fact that the city's downtown area has remained isolated from the destructive impact of big-box stores and retail chains has lent an untouched and authentic air to its streets. Aselton says it is terrifying to see the Bangor Mall, which she viewed almost as a pilgrimage site during her childhood, now looking like an abandoned graveyard, but she notes that the downtown is on the rise and has an incredibly charming appearance. This dual nature of the city, both dated and simultaneously revitalized, has added depth to the film's visual storytelling.

The decision to shoot the film in November, a period when the weather is quite chilly and cold, also stands out as a conscious choice by the director. Aselton expresses that those crisp autumn evenings, where breath is visible, felt incredibly romantic to her, and that everywhere they pointed their cameras looked as beautiful as a painting. Emphasizing that the unique nature and atmosphere of the state of Maine during the autumn season are incomparable to anything else, the director masterfully wove this aesthetic natural setting into the film's narrative. The connection forged by the two youths on an autumn night aims to offer the audience a profound experience by merging with the city's melancholic and magical atmosphere. During the filming, well-known city spots such as Broadway Park, 2 Feet Brewing, and Bangor High School were also utilized as key locations in the movie.

Following a meticulously prepared shooting process, this emotional production, "Their Town," is now getting ready to meet its audience. The film's Maine premiere will take place at the Maine International Film Festival, which will be held in Waterville on Friday. This event represents both a reflection of the Aselton family's love for their home state and a significant moment for the local film culture. Katie Aselton recently gave an interview to discuss the Bangor shoot, detailing the nuances of filmmaking in Maine, her youth spent in the Down East region, and her family's togetherness in the film business. The project also stands out as a beautiful testament to how independent cinema can create universal emotions through personal stories.