Maturing Youth is about “an under-achieving, unemployed 30-year-old man (Sean Kaufman aka Roger) enjoys his freedom of non-responsibility through his vices. However, his life is thrown into a whirlwind when his ex-girlfriend (Kim Paris aka Sadie) interrupts his life with a surprise: their illegitimate toddler son. And when she disappears, it gives him the ultimatum to begrudgingly face fatherhood, or to continue living a life void of responsibility.” (SOURCE: IMDb)
We had an opportunity to chat with lead Kim Paris, who plays Sadie in the film. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Kim! Thank you for granting the interview. Congrats on your role as Sadie in the “Maturing Youth” movie. What should the audience expect to see?
Thank you, it’s my pleasure! The audience should expect to see a coming-of-age story between two people who’ve made very questionable decisions in life. I’d say it’s a drama with some light comedic moments.
Tell us about Sadie. Who is she? What is her personality like?
Sadie’s a bit of a reckless character. I feel like she’s angry at the world and definitely a little self-centered and immature.
What role does Sadie play in the movie?
Sadie’s the ex-girlfriend of the main character, Roger played by Sean A. Kaufman. After disappearing from his life for several years, she shows up at his door with his adolescent son, [Junior played by Joshua St. Leger] whom she never told him he had.
Was it a challenge to play Sadie? Did you have to pull from experience?
[su_pullquote align=”left”]”Unexpected plot twists.”[/su_pullquote]It was very challenging! One of the hardest parts was getting into the mindset of someone who’s made choices that at first glance, I couldn’t really relate to. I don’t want to give away the story, but let’s just say she wouldn’t be winning any “mother of the year” awards. Like I mentioned, she’s pretty angry and kind of blames other people for what’s happening to her. I definitely pulled from my own personal experiences. Even though I don’t have kids and I haven’t been in her situation exactly, I’ve certainly had moments, especially in the distant past, of feeling trapped in my life’s circumstances and feeling angry at people for not doing all they could to help me when I needed it. Of course now if I catch myself feeling that way, I try to correct my thinking immediately. But I think with Sadie, those are her prevailing feelings most of the time.
How did you get the role?
I met Chase [Michael] Pallante, who produced the film, at Grove Film Festival in Jersey City. I introduced myself to him after the screening of his film Defarious, and told him I hoped to work with him someday. A few months later, I was co-hosting the Northeast Film Festival Horror Fest awards ceremony and I got to announce his “Best Film” win for the same film, which was a nice surprise. Soon after, a friend told me about his casting call for Maturing Youth, so I auditioned and eventually got the part. I think there were three auditions total – first a self- tape, then an in-person audition, and then a callback.
The subject matter of the movie is intense. How does the movie production bring something new to the story?
Hmm, that’s a good question. I think there are some very unexpected plot twists that shake things up but I can’t really say what they are! You’re going to have to see the film to find out.
What is going to surprise people about Sadie?
I think the most surprising thing is a part of the movie that I can’t say! But Sadie’s full of surprises, really. I think that even though she might come off as tough and angry, she’s really hiding some deep emotional pain. I hope she comes off as human and slightly vulnerable, even though she doesn’t want to show it. She’s very prideful.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue and why?
Oh, it’s gotta be “He’s your son!” My co-star Sean and I get teased about that one from time-to-time. I say it kind of repetitively in one scene.
When looking back on the production, what resonated with you the most and why?
One thing that stood out the most was how organized and well put together the production was. My producer, Chase Michael Pallante, ran the whole thing like a well-oiled machine. Since our location was in a private house, the production team set up a makeshift office for the producer and accountant to handle all administration tasks during filming in the basement. Items such as a printer, staplers, and binders, to name a few, and everything needed to keep the production flowing smoothly were on their office desks. The whole crew had walkie-talkies and there were microphones rigged everywhere for sound quality. Even though R&F Entertainment is an independent production company, I felt I was working on a film for a major production studio.
In your opinion, what scene in the movie is going to blow people away and why?
Without giving too much away, there are a few scenes with Sean, Terrence Keene who plays Dr. Ricccard, and Albee Castro who plays Adult Junior that I found especially touching. I was actually moved to tears a couple times, which surprised me considering I already know the story. One of my favorite elements of the film is the idea that when we care for something outside of ourselves, it can bring immense happiness and personal transformation. So often we get caught up with what we think we want, not realizing that we can get so much more when we focus on helping others.
What do you enjoy most about your character and role?
[su_pullquote align=”right”]”Immensely talented people.”[/su_pullquote]I need to think about that question because, at times, it was hard playing Sadie. She shows up in a really bad mood with some intense, life-altering news right at the moment when the other characters are partying and having the time of their lives. I’d be hanging out by myself on set focusing on those intense feelings before a scene, while my cast mates would be laughing hysterically, acting out getting drunk and high. I had to remind myself that I’m not actually a downer of a person in real life! My character called for feeling isolated, bitter and angry so I probably wasn’t the most fun person on set because I try to stay in character as much as I can between scenes and my character shows up feeling miserable. But to answer your question – I really enjoyed playing a mom for the first time! It was also my first time working with Joshua who was so adorable and we really bonded on set.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about the movie?
Thanks for asking! The World Premiere for Maturing Youth is Sunday, October 21st at the Cutting Room International Film Festival in New York City. I’m grateful to have been nominated “Best Actress” and many of my castmates were nominated for awards as well including Best Film. We’re all so excited to share this film and can’t wait to meet some of our fans there! Tickets are available at maturingyouth.com. I’m so grateful to have been a part of it. I was surrounded by immensely talented people and it’s really a beautiful story!
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Connect with Kim:
IMDb: www.imdb.me/kimparis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinisterfoxy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sinisterfoxy
Website: www.kimparis.net
Follow the Maturing Youth:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/maturingyouthfilm
Facebook: www.facebook.com/maturingyouth
Website: www.MATURINGYOUTH.com
Featured Image Credit: Dennis Cahlo Photography Courtesy of R&F Entertainment.
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