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. And what a perfect time to see the film as it releases on May 9th just in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday the 11th.
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.
Ella‘s story begins in Greece as the only child of Jack, an American singer-song writer and Despina, a Greek, zany, overprotective Gyros owner. Nick, Ella’s only friend, is a 10 year old shy, nerdy looking boy. As comes as no surprise, Ella and Nick grow up and their friendship turns into love, but in 2010 the Greek economy collapses, Nick vanishes and Jack dies. Despina and Ella are forced to move to America for their survival. Now Ella is a 27 years old with zero love life. Still dreaming of becoming a singer, Despina pressures her to take over the Gyros business. During their daily fights, Despina suddenly drops dead of a heart attack only to return as a ghost, haunting Ella with unwanted advice and romantic guidance, especially after Nick re-surfaces, now a handsome single doctor. With a little intervention from the Greek Gods, and Despina, in this heartwarming tale, will Ella will ultimately take control of her life, find the meaning of true love and learn how to deal with the passing of her mother?
Written, directed and starring Rachel Suissa, the film features Abby Miner as Ella, Rachel Suissa as Delphina, Wade Hunt Williams as The Chief aka Zeus, Simon Rérolle as Nick, and Sophia Sutton as Ella’s BFF Heather, just to name a few.
As you are about to hear, Rachel Suissa is passionate about this film. It is a part of her and her life story. 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.”
GREEK MOTHERS NEVER DIE is available for pre-order now on Apple TV and releases digitally on May 9th with exclusive theatrical showings at some AMC theatres in New York City.
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