Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Thomas-Medwid.

Hi Rachel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I was always drawn to the arts. Along with my primary focus on creative writing, I trained as a classical pianist and was in a dance troupe in college and beyond. The act of creating something out of nothing never fails to give a thrill; whether it’s choreography, a piece of music, a short story, or a film.

The route to filmmaking has been circuitous but I believe you’re meant to get to certain points in your life at the time you do for a reason. Coming into the industry “late in the game” so to speak could be considered a disadvantage but I’m embracing it. In my mind, I don’t have time to waste, which is motivating when it comes to doing the hard work. Maybe I’d have a similar mindset if I’d starting the filmmaking journey in my 20s, but who knows. As someone who has a whole separate career at this point, there’s a sense of security in my focus and ability to put in the work and get things done. There’s also this freedom in the feeling that there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by continuing to pursue my creative endeavors.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, from my perspective, it has been smooth. I mean there are inevitable “struggles” with every film, but it comes down to how they’re viewed and handled. For example, with Fenwick–which is currently in the festival circuit–the filming experience started with a major hurdle. As we were hoisting a 300-lb antique dentist chair along with a motorcycle into a U-Haul to make our way to the set, we got news that our DP had a family emergency and wouldn’t be able to make it. Any filmmaker can imagine the panic at this news, but the producer, Jaci Kjernander, and I found a new DP along with a new camera within an hour. The last-minute major change required focus and flexibility on everyone’s part, but we made it work as a team and the film is having an excellent reception in the festival circuit. Problems are normal when making a film but looking at them as puzzles that need to be solved enhances rather than detracts from the creative process.

And rejection of course could be considered a struggle, but it’s such a normal part of the industry that I don’t count rejections as bumps in the road. I often use rejections as a motivation tool to continue to improve my craft (and write new material…which always requires motivation)!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Absolutely! I’m a New England-based director, screenwriter, and producer and my work focuses on exploring the darker side of humanity and complex nature of people. While my style primarily falls into the psychological thriller genre, my work often gets placed in horror categories, which sometimes is surprising to me but I love it.

I’m an Alliance of Women Directors Member and Board Member of Women in Film Video New England, which involves engagement in the New England film community to advance not only female storytellers but all underrepresented voices in the industry. I’ve also served on the Sherman Oaks Film Festival Filmmakers Board, the Film Invasion Los Angeles Filmmakers Board, and am currently a screenplay judge for Renegade Film Festival. My short films—The Squirrels in the Attic, In the Company of Crows, Penny, Cult, One Room, iNFLUENCE, Clam, When You Know, and Fenwick—have screened at over 50 film festivals worldwide, garnering over 50 nominations and 20 awards collectively to date.

We just wrapped filming on my latest screenplay, Dissection Day, and just got news that the project was shortlisted for the First Flights and Kodak Short Film Fund in association with Raindance Film Festival. What an exciting way to start postproduction! A few other recognitions I’m proud of include the 2024 Female Filmmaker of the Year, Austin Revolution Film Festival; ISA Top Twenty-Five Screenwriter to Watch; the Grand Prize Winner in the Emerging Screenwriter’s Shoot Your Short Contest; The Women in Horror Award, Happenstance Horror Fest; Michelle Mower Female Filmmaker of the Year Award; and Best Narrative Short Film Director, Mystic Film Festival.

Having just listed a few awards, I’m honestly most proud of my progress as a writer and director. Stepping onto set as a first-time director with The Squirrels in the Attic in 2020 was my first time on a film set, which is crazy to think about now! My work has come a long way in a relatively short period of time, and much of the recognition belongs to the special relationships with the people I’ve continued to work with since the beginning of my filmmaking journey.

What sets me apart from others? Hmmm…maybe my unique voice as a storyteller. I’m aware that all screenwriters/storytellers feel this way but I’ve heard from enough outside sources and reviews that there’s a specialized style to my work so I’ll take that as a complement. Honestly, that’s the most difficult question to answer in this interview, but please check out my films and let me know thoughts…I absolutely love feedback and diving into film discussions with anyone who is interested.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
An important lesson learned is that you shouldn’t be afraid of looking “stupid.” It’s important to be forthright about what you don’t know. This can be difficult because no one wants to look inept, but there are so many aspects of the industry to learn, and it doesn’t do anyone any good to pretend like you’re an expert in areas you aren’t.

Surrounding yourself with skilled and talented people and trying to soak in that knowledge is beneficial to everyone. In general, it’s important to never stop learning and thankfully this is an industry that forces your hand if you’re going to grow and improve.

And the most important lesson…take great enjoyment in whatever journey you’re on! It’s what I do every day and feel very lucky to be at the place I’m at and cannot wait for what’s next!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rachelspoonerthomas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelspoonerthomas/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.thomas.98/