Featured image credit: Kathleen Hrayssi

We talk to Kathleen Hrayssi about WHERE ROSEMARY GOES.

What inspired you to create WHERE ROSEMARY GOES?

Rarely in films do we encounter strong female characters, blurring the lines between doing what's deemed right or wrong. A thriller showcasing the ingenuity and weaving a tale of revenge, WHERE ROSEMARY GOES was a dream coming true for a director such as myself.

The script, written with an acidic tone in some parts and having very topical, urgent themes, was a welcomed challenge in directing, by having to conceal identities as well as discussing domestic violence, which isn't necessarily a topic an audience wants to see portrayed.

Identity is a recurring theme in my work, and mask wearing, whether it be in our personal lives or outer sphere has always fascinated me- what pushes one to change one's identity?

Choosing to embark on this film depicting domestic violence, I wanted to ensure clichés are broken by portraying a couple who seemingly seems to have it all.

 Minimalist in approach, tone and direction, I wanted this scene to feel visceral for the audience while remaining free of actual visual violence- as we know.

What challenges did you face in creating this production?

Shot without a budget towards the end of the COVID lockdown, this film will always be special to me due to the strength of the collaboration between the writer/producer and myself - working mainly via Zoom has surely become the new normal. With sanitary regulations changing on a weekly basis, we had to constantly change location agreements- up to the day leading to principal photography.

The commitment of all cast involved, and the generosity of the crew was nothing short of amazing, considering the restrictions we were all under. I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to direct this film during a time where artists struggled to make their voices heard.

What are you hoping audiences will take away from watching this film?

“The great thing about this life of ours is that you can be someone different to everybody.” ― Jennifer Niven

I’d like the audience to question how far they will go in order to protect a loved one and consider how easily can an everyday person be marginalised from society. I am hoping the audience will review their outlook on the way women are treated overall.

It is my opinion that art is a blend of fiction peppered with a clear message for us all to ponder about and reflect on our own lives.