Via Zoom: Actor Elizabeth Stam Shines in New Film ‘Relative’

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CHICAGO – One of the breakout performances in Michael Glover Smith’s new film, “Relative,” is from Elizabeth Stam, who portrays the pivotal role of Hekla. The “Relative” special Chicago general releases will take place (click links) at Music Box Theatre and the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 8th and 10th.

“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. Meanwhile, the college graduate (Cameron Scott Roberts) has serendipitously fallen for Hekla (Elizabeth Stam). The film also features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey and Clare Cooney.

Elizabeth Stam (right) with Cameron Scott Roberts in ‘Relative’
Photo credit: White City Cinema

This is Elizabeth Stam’s second film, after “Bleed American” in 2019. As mentioned in the interview below, writer/director Michael Glover Smith created the role of Hekla with Ms. Stam in mind, but she still had to audition. Her key role as the only outsider coming into the Frank family gathering is part of the anchor in the story.

In an interview via Zoom with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Elizabeth Stam provides insights to her character of Hekla in “Relative” …

The Official Trailer for “Relative” …

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com