Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Polnaszek

Hi Andrea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Over ten years ago I was invited to co-write a screenplay with my sister, Alexandra Boylan. Together we wrote Catching Faith and ended up filming the movie in my town, Chippewa Falls. This was the beginning of my journey into film making and now I have written and produced six movies. I have been blessed to write companion material for all of our films. These books include: The Elijah Project, My Wish for Christmas, The Greatest Inheritance, Lead with Love (series) and Mirror Mirror.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Independent film making is a tough business. We take our movies from conception to completion which means we often raise the funds and work closely with the marketing team to get them out into the world. I think one of the greast struggles is waiting to see how the film finds its audience. Our first movie, Catching Faith spent two years on Netflix and it was so exciting to hear from viewers who were touched by the story. Our film Switched came out the fall of 2020 and while we were very disappointed that it did not get a theatrical release, it founds its audience on Amazon where for the first time in history students across America were homebound, educated on line. So while it was difficult to not get the release we were dreaming of, the theme of cyber-bullying couldn’t be more perfect for the issues facing teens worldwide. Identity Crisis is our most recent movie. It has not been an easy road and we continue to have set backs but struggle makes the wins even more sweet.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

My sister and I are, The Boylan Sisters create female driven faith based family films. Our mission to create content that mom’s trust and kids love. Each of our movies has a theme and comes with books and companion material. Our passion is to provide delightful media that enriches viewers lives.

I have had the opportunity to write a book that accompanies each of our movies. One of those books is called The Elijah Project and it has been translated into Spanish and Portuguese. I have had the privilege to travel to Cuba multiple times when I was given the opportunity teaching and encouraging women. The Elijah Project was born out of my own struggle with disillusionment. The activities provides a framework to work through personal struggle, frustration and disappointment. The study not only brought me back to life again but through the story of Elijah (God’s word) it has brought life to many others. This book, workbook and devotional have been a profound encouragement to me as a person and as a writer.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?

One of my favorite books is Boundaries. I also utilize Dr. Henry Cloud’s boundaries and Me app and website. I enjoy Jordan Peterson’s podcast. I read Being Elizabeth Elliott by Ellen Vaughn. I found this biography incredibly encouraging. Her story touched my heart and increased my faith. I also enjoyed Lauren Graham’s book, Have I Told You This Already. I use the YouVersion Bible app daily to read the verse of the day and research Bible passages. One of my favorite things to do in the morning is read a passage of scripture and write the verses that strike my heart in my journal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.andreapolnaszek.com
• Instagram: Andrea Polnaszek
• Facebook: Andrea M. Polnaszek
• Twitter: Andrea M. Polnaszek
• Youtube: Andrea Polnaszek

Image Credits

Head Shot: Alyssa Lea Photography
The other 2 are selfies.