It's a fun BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to writer/director/actor Rachel Suissa who I spoke with a few weeks ago specifically for today's show which is a salute to Mothers and Mother's Day courtesy of Rachel's new film GREEK MOTHERS NEVER DIE.
Based on Rachel's own life, mapcap adventures, and mother-daughter angst, GREEK MOTHERS NEVER DIE is a love letter not only to Rachel's own mother, but mothers everywhere.
Written, directed and starring Rachel Suissa, GREEK MOTHERS NEVER DIE is a delightful rom-com, brimming with Greek passion and plenty of family drama, as late bloomer Ella dreams of becoming a singer, but her overbearing Greek mother, Despina insists she take over the Gyros business and marry a Greek man.
Rachel is animated, engaging, and thoughtful, all things that you'll hear in this exclusive conversation as we break down every element of the film, starting with highlighting its universal appeal and personal connections that it evokes. Rachel bares it all as she talks about the genesis and journey to make the film and shares anecdotes about her mother's influence, including a humorous scene where her mother bribed someone to hang out with her. We discuss the film's casting, particularly Abby Miner as Ella, which has a genuine and authentic feel. As we break down the production elements of GREEK MOTHERS NEVER DIE, we dive into the cinematography, editing process – and Rachel's unique method for selecting an editor, location and a favorite highlight of mine, the use of comic book graphics as scene interstitials, as well as the importance of music, which blends Greek and American themes. And Rachel even gives us some early intel on her next film, another fish out of water tale called "The American."
