Congratulations and thank you to the amazing team that made RACHEL possible.

It’s official! Really excited to announce that RACHEL has been selected by the ‘Somewhat North of Boston’ (SNOB) New England Indie Film Festival, which takes place at Red River Theatre in Concord New Hampshire, USA from 10th – 13th November. 

If you know me, or have read my earlier post about the impact music had on the development of the script, then you will know that New England was my home for some extremely happy years. I lived in Somerville, which is itself somewhat north of Boston, and travelled often up to New Hampshire to hike amidst the glorious fall foliage and attempt, but generally fail spectacularly, to ski. So, I am truly delighted to know that RACHEL will have its premiere in a place that is so close to my heart.

When we launched our Kickstarter campaign, I had no idea how generous and supportive my former Boston housemates would be.  It meant a great deal to me that they, and my family in USA, were willing to put such faith in both me and the project, so I’m hoping that many of them will be able to make it to Concord to share in this special moment – I couldn’t have done it without them.

I have written about the ways in which the music of Harvard Square’s iconic street performer, Ned Landin aka ‘Flathead’, influenced my writing.

But I could also talk about the house I lived in in Somerville – the many inspirational Monday evenings I spent watching movies with my friends, because that was two for one pizza night at Mike’s; and the long, hot, steamy summers when the only respite came from watching films back to back in air-conditioned cinemas; or the housemates’ hilariously bad attempts to film our road-trips to NYC. Without a doubt the idea that film school would be a great thing to do, one day, was born in that place, at that time.

And, more importantly, that was when I met Rachel.  Back then she was a tiny baby and I had the great honour of being entrusted with taking care of her – her Mary Poppins, as they called me.

The story is not in any way about Rachel – although, much like the fictional character, she has grown into a remarkable, caring, intelligent, well-travelled young woman – but I wanted to name the film for her, because it was during her afternoon naps that I started writing a novel, which was the first step on the road to making this film.

The best roads lead home and I’m looking forward to seeing RACHEL screened back where it all started, in New England.

Thanks again to all the cast, crew and backers who’ve made this happen, Karen x