Director Rachel McDonald’s Meaningful Storytelling Continues to Captivate Audiences in 2025

Rachel McDonald’s journey as a director is one of storytelling without borders, and her success continues in 2025. Her latest films, Dancing Warrior and Hermanos, have resonated with audiences worldwide, receiving selections at prestigious film festivals, solidifying her reputation as a visionary director committed to telling socially significant stories. 

Following her recent win at Ona Film Festival for Best Photography with Dancing Warrior, co-directed with Peter Goetz, Rachel was nominated at Austin Film Festival for the Documentary Short Jury Award and achieved official selections at the Crested Butte and Port Townsend Film Festivals. In February, Dancing Warrior screened at the 31st Annual Sedona International Film Festival (Feb 26th and 28th), a celebrated showcase of inspiring cinema. Additionally, it has been selected for the Boulder International Film Festival, further expanding its reach to diverse audiences.

Meanwhile, Hermanos won in the short film category at Ciclope and earned recognition at The Shark Awards 2025, winning Best Cinematography. Hermanos has since been selected at the Justice Film Festival (Feb 10th - 13th in NYC), which highlights socially conscious storytelling, and the Houston Latino Film Festival (March 12th - 16th), a vibrant celebration of Latino culture. In addition, Hermanos secured a well-deserved place in The Shots Top 100 Productions for 2024, underscoring its emotional impact and global resonance. 

Rachel’s films are anchored in deeply meaningful narratives, offering audiences profound insights into untold stories from around the world. As her work continues to gain global acclaim, her storytelling  is an example of how cinema drives connection and social change.