Feature Documentary HEARING IS BELIEVING to Screen at HIFF

The 36th Hawaii International Film Festival presents two screenings of "Hearing Is Believing," a new feature documentary by award-winning, Hawaii-born writer and director Lorenzo DeStefano, on Tuesday November 8th at 5:45 p.m., with an encore screening on Friday November 11th at 1:30 p.m., both at the Regal Dole Cannery Theaters. "Hearing Is Believing" will be released in the Spring of 2017 by Foresight Releasing and Gravitas Ventures. Recently names one of Honolulu Magazine's "13 Must-See Movies at HIFF," and featured on Hawaii News Now in Terry Hunter's movie review segment with his top four picks of HIFF.

"Hearing Is Believing" introduces the world to the astonishing young musician and composer, Rachel Flowers. Born 15 weeks premature, at a weight of one pound five ounces, Rachel lost her eyesight due to Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). At two she began picking up melodies from her musician parents and was soon playing every song she heard by ear, including Bach fugues. The child had perfect pitch.

DeStefano and his team have created a dynamic and engaging portrait of a year and a half in the life of a tight knit American family, a single mom and her two kids, living paycheck to paycheck in working class Oxnard, California, with Rachel's stunning music as the soundtrack. Hearing is Believing revels in Rachel's joyous and free-flowing love of song, illuminating the bonds of family and the divine mysteries of creativity. "Making a film about someone's life, even a short period of that life, is not something to enter into lightly, for filmmaker or subject. It is a bond that has to hold for a very long time before fruition, and a lifetime afterwards," adds DeStefano.

"Just saw preview of a superb Oscar caliber documentary, "Hearing is Believing," the moving story of the versatile Ventura County musician Rachel Flowers. Blind at birth, Rachel's powerful true story is brilliantly told by director Lorenzo DeStefano, who takes his audience through an emotional journey. Look out for this unforgettable film." - Ivor Davis - Music and Film Journalist

Among the great musicians appearing with Rachel in the film are Grammy winners Stevie Wonder, Dweezil Zappa, Arturo Sandoval, two-time Grammy nominated jazz pianist, Taylor Eigsti, the late Progressive Rock icon Keith Emerson, Hawaii ukulele master Benny Chong, and 50 members of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, performing Rachel's original composition, "At The End of the Day."

Lorenzo will be attending both screenings along with Rachel Flowers and her mother Jeanie.

Rachel looks forward to sharing her music with island audiences, with two Live appearances in Honolulu. BLUE NOTE HAWAII - Wednesday Nov. 9th @ 6:30 + 9:00 at the Outrigger Waikiki at 2335 Kalakaua Ave. (808) 777-4890. Advance tickets available at http://www.ticketweb.com/venue/blue-note-hawaii-honolulu-hi/424495?view=calendar&mo=november&yr=2016

Rachel will also be performing at MEDICI'S JAZZ CLUB - Saturday Nov. 12th from 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m at the Manoa Marketplace, 2754 Woodlawn Dr. / Unit 7-103. (808) 351-0901/ pacrim3@msn.com. Advance tickets available at http://musicatmedicis.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=905658.

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