FANTASTIC NEWS! Rachel selected for the UK International Jewish Film Festival

Sometimes dreams and wishes can come true!

When team Rachel – me, Cinematographer Tania Freimuth, and Producer Akua Obeng-Frimpong  -went to pitch Rachel to the Jewish Film Festival’s Pears Short Film Fund back in early 2016, we poured our hearts into our presentation but just looking at the other shortlisted filmmakers, all of them highly accomplished, it was clear that it was a long shot because I was a first time director and we also needed to raise funds beyond the award to make the film.

After the presentation we went across the road to Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood Hotel for a cocktail and agreed that even if we didn’t get funding we would make the film.

What followed was an amazing experience…

                         RACHEL Written & Directed by Karen Anstee    RACHEL Written & Directed by Karen Anstee      

Special thanks goes to Aislinn De’Ath, Rob Dukes, Josh Moran and Arinder Sadhra for their performances on screen, and to Akua, Tania, Maja Biton, Peter Polak, Trace Taylor, Yvanne Teo and the amazing post production team at The Farm Group for their expertise and support behind the scenes. But genuinely, each and every one of the cast, crew, Kickstarter backers, and lovely people at Leverton & Sons Funeral Directors and Holkham Estate has my eternal thanks for helping me to make my first film something to be proud of, and worthy of a place in the UK International Jewish Film Festival.

This is truly a dream outcome.

We have two screenings – 19 and 22 November in London at JW3, Finchley Road. Hope to see some of our lovely supporters there – I believe a celebratory cocktail, or two, will be in order,

Karen x