INTERVIEW: The True Story Behind Yale at PFF35

*PFF 2026* Interview with ‘Yale’ (2026) Director, Jay Silverman & Writer, Van Billet

Yale, written by Philadelphia native Van Billet and directed by Jay Silverman, tells the true story of Billet’s grandfather, Yale Parker (Kevin Dunn), a burlesque comedian and serial bigamist who walked out on several families. It’s told through his daughter Mackenzie (Caitlin McGee), who has to face the father who abandoned her as the last-ditch effort to find a donor kidney for her dying son.

We're joined by both Billet and Silverman to discuss their personal and professional stories surrounding the making of the film ahead of its premiere in the “Filmadelphia” section of the 35th Philadelphia Film Festival. 

Yale screens Friday, October 16 at 7:30 PM, and again Saturday, October 24 at 5:15 PM at the Philadelphia Film Society Center.