Indie Film With Chicago Connections Finds Success on Festival Circuit

WDCB’s Gary Zidek catches up with filmmaker Haroula Rose to talk about her debut feature, ONCE UPON A RIVER.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek sits down with filmmaker Haroula Rose for a conversation about her new movie, ONCE UPON A RIVER.

“I just thought it was really unique. And I wanted to tell her story, and I like that it hits on all these issues, but it’s not an issue film. It just lets you observe and live through this person’s experience.” - Haroula Rose talking about the Margo character at the center of ONCE UPON A RIVER.

Haroula Rose, the director of ONCE UPON A RIVER

An indie film with strong ties to Illinois has found success on the festival circuit this year. ONCE UPON A RIVER played in 25 festivals across five countries and took home 13 awards. The film comes from Lincolnwood native Haroula Rose. She adapted Bonnie Jo Campbell’s 2011 novel ONCE UPON A RIVER into a screenplay and then directed the movie.

John Ashton and Kenadi DelaCerna in ONCE UPON A RIVER

While Margo is the main character, the 1970’s rural Michigan settings described in the book/screenplay are just as important to the story.  Rose found the rugged, nature-filled locations she was looking for in Antioch, Illinois.

John Ashton as Smoke in ONCE UPON A RIVER

You can find out more about ONCE UPON A RIVER and keep track of upcoming screenings at ouarfilm.com