Writer, director, and star Rachel Suissa has crafted something truly unique with Greek Mothers Never Die — a supernatural comedy inspired by her real-life relationship with her Greek mother, blending heartfelt themes with laugh-out-loud cultural quirks. Ahead of its premiere at the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival, I caught up with Rachel on Pop Culture Unplugged to dive into how this very personal film was born, what it means for Greek-American audiences, and how her family (and ghostly mothers) helped shape the story.
A Ghost Story Rooted in Real Life
While the title Greek Mothers Never Die may seem tongue-in-cheek, it comes from a deeply personal and relatable place.
“It was my mom,” Rachel said with a smile. “She’s the reason for all of this. Yes, people will say it’s the stereotypical Greek mother, but for me, it’s not — it’s just my actual mom.”
Originally a one-woman show where Rachel played both the overbearing mother and the daughter, the project evolved into a feature film — but not without an imaginative twist: the mother returns as a ghost.
“Even after death, she’s there,” Rachel laughed. “No sleep, no privacy. It’s my way of showing how loss lingers… but through comedy and hope.”
Balancing Roles: Writer, Director, Star — and Mom
Rachel juggled writing, directing, producing, and playing the ghostly mother herself. But surprisingly, it wasn’t as daunting as it sounds.
“I only gave myself 30 minutes to decide if I could do it. I had my daughter read the lines to me, and if I liked what I saw, I’d jump in.”
And yes, that’s her real-life daughter playing young Ella in the film — a collaboration Rachel says was one of the most rewarding aspects of the process.
“We share the same passion,” she said. “She even told me acting isn’t a hobby — it’s her job now. That made me so proud.”
A Cast Rooted in Familiar Bonds
Suissa reunited with actor Simon Rérolle, who starred in her previous filmDangerous Liaissons, to play Nic. As for Ella, the casting was rigorous.
“I needed someone who could believably be 15 and 27, who had charisma, who could be my daughter. I only had one callback — and it was her.”
The chemistry paid off. Despite only meeting in person two days before filming, the bond onscreen is undeniable.
Cultural Love Letter with a Supernatural Twist
While Greek Mothers Never Die is full of specific Greek-American humor, Rachel hopes it resonates universally.
“It’s a cultural story, yes, but it’s also about loss, love, guilt, family — things everyone can relate to.”
That being said, she’s especially proud of how Greek Americans and Greeks in Greece have received it.
“I was nervous — how would Greeks in Greece react? But the response was amazing. That meant the world to me.”
A Possible Sequel and More Greek Stories on the Horizon?
Yes — Rachel already has a potential spinoff in mind.
“Let’s just say if Ella has a daughter one day, she may need some ghostly intervention too…”
She’s also prepping another film titled The Americans, a mix of Greek heritage and American pop culture. So yes, the Greek-American stories are far from over.
Where to Watch and LAGFF Premiere
The film premieres May 31 at 6 PM at the Landmark Sunset Theatre as part of the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival.
Can’t attend? Greek Mothers Never Die is currently available on demand via Apple TV, Prime Video, Vimeo, Fandango, and more. A wider streaming release may come in the fall.
Rachel Suissa’s Greek Mothers Never Die is a warm, witty, and whimsical look at the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters — even after death. It’s a film about identity, tradition, and letting go… or not letting go at all.
So go ahead — laugh, cry, call your mom — and maybe watch it again.