Director's Works
Hermanos Rachel McDonald
Rachel McDonald is an award-winning director and writer whose body of work spans commercials, music videos, documentaries and narrative films. Rachel was born and raised in a small coastal town in Mississippi, where she absorbed the rhythms of storytelling from a young age. On a mission to tell meaningful stories, she sought inspiration in inspiring places like Jordan, Uganda, Morocco, Nicaragua, and Egypt. Rachel has directed global campaigns for major brands like BMW, Mercedes, Ikea, Toyota, Ford, Facebook, Gatorade, Volkswagen, Cadillac, Chevy, Microsoft and HP and her work has been recognized by Cannes Lions (Film Craft), Webby Awards, LIA Awards, Voice of a Woman Award, Source Creative Top 100 Spots, Shorty Awards, The One Show (Craft Direction), Addys (Gold and Bronze), and Cresta Awards, among others. Rachel has written and directed multiple award-winning short films including “Thirst” starring Melanie Griffith which made its world premiere at the Locarno International Film Festival (2014). Her “Behind the Post” film for the One Love Foundation earned multiple awards including a Silver Cannes Lion and continues to be used as part of the organization’s curriculum for recognizing and preventing relationship abuse. Her documentary short, “Dancing Warrior” made its world premiere at Mountain Film Festival in Telluride (2024). The film follows a Lakota youth horse racing team as they support each other and compete in the traditional sport of Native American relay. Rachel lives in Ojai, CA.
“I wrote “Hermanos” with a heavy heart and a strong desire to bring awareness to the atrocities happening at the Mexico-US border during the Trump administration. Children were being ripped away from their families and detained under harsh conditions— often in cages. Our broken immigration system created indelible damage and immeasurable trauma for these vulnerable young refugees. Fueled by feelings of helplessness and rage, I set out to tell a story that focused on the love between siblings, the bond among family and the lengths we will go to protect each other. “Hermanos” was inspired by real immigrant stories, and my hope is that it will bridge the political divide and remind viewers of the humanity and deep love present in all families. Since 2019, organizations like the ACLU have worked to reunite families, but the fight continues. With over 1,400 children who are still awaiting reunions, and the 2024 election looming, “Hermanos” feels more relevant than ever. A second Trump term would only deepen the immigration crisis with outrageous policies and mass deportations. — Rachel McDonald