Rachel Suissa in ‘Greek Mothers Never Die.’ Photo Courtesy of Gravitas Ventures
Rachel Suissa chatted about writing, directing, and starring in her new movie “Greek Mothers Never Die.”
The rom-com will be available on Digital and On Demand on May 9, 2025, via Gravitas Ventures. The cast features Abby Miner, Simon Rérolle, and Carter Sirianni.
Ella dreams of becoming a singer but her Greek mother pressures her daily to take over the family business. After a sudden heart attack, her mother Despina (Rachel Suissa) returns to haunt Ella with more advice as Nick (Simon Rérolle), her childhood crush, returns.
Inspiration to write this script
Suissa was inspired to write this movie by her mother, who was her biggest inspiration. “My mom is bigger than life,” she admitted.
“The family roots were really important to me, and how you can achieve your dreams and make your family proud of you and happy. Also, you need to grow, and still make it all work together,” she elaborated.
“My mom had a Greek restaurant, I was a young actress, and she wanted me to take over the restaurant, so that’s what got me started,” she said. “I am into supernatural movies, and I enjoy anything that gives hope that there is something further.”
“Also, please note, that it is never too late to make up; you can always solve your issues,” she added.
Suissa traces her Greek roots
“My mom is Greek; she is from Asia Minor from Smirni,” Suissa said. “She arrived in Greece in a very small island, and then she went to Athens, and she moved to Paris in her 20s for a better life. Then, I moved to America for a better cinematographic life.”
“I speak Greek, and I enjoy it. I never forget my Greek,” she added.
Lessons learned from this movie
On the lessons learned from this film, Suissa reflected, “It taught me that I am more like I mom than I thought. When you have to be a character, you have to defend that character, and to justify her behavior and actions.”
“As I was acting, I really understood that everything she was ever saying came from a place of love and fear. I am trying to be the 2.0 version of your mom,” she explained.
Suissa takes cues from Nia Vardalos
Suissa listed Academy Award nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) as a major influence in her life.
“Nia is my hero… One day, I wanted to be like her,” Suissa revealed. “I wanted my one-woman show to work, and to make my own movie, so Nia was a big inspiration to me.”
“Nia’s story reminded me that it only takes one person to believe in you, and Tom Hanks did with her,” Suissa said.
Ellen Karis hosts ‘Greek Mothers Never Die’ Q & A panel
After Greek Easter, on Monday, April 21st, Greek-American comedian Ellen Karis moderated a Question & Answer (Q&A) session with Suissa, Rérolle, and producer Eleonore Dailly, at ACM Village 7 for the film.
“Ellen Karis was wonderful. She was our Q & A moderator; she was so great and so funny,” Suissa said. “The vibe was awesome.”
For more information on Rachel Suissa, follow her on Instagram.
Read More: “Greek Mothers Never Die” review.
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