Raechel Zarzynski is a queer filmmaker with a fresh, distinctive voice, specializing in quirky, character-driven sci-fi comedy. Her latest short, "Abducted," is about aliens—but it’s also a buddy comedy exploring female friendship. Debra has dedicated her life to proving extraterrestrial life, but her obsession blinds her to the amazing truth right in front of her: her best friend, Sydney, who has her back even when she probably doesn’t deserve it. The film examines obsession—the compulsion that drives us to push the boulder up the hill—and how, in seeking connections or answers, we can look as far as outer space while missing what’s right in front of us. "Abducted" reflects Raechel’s signature mix of inventive storytelling, grounded characters, and offbeat humor, combining genre thrills with heartfelt, relatable emotion.
Raechel has directed numerous music videos, including the viral Low Hum "Nebraska" (3.7M+ views). She loves collaborating with musicians to craft images that enhance their songs and enjoys the freedom of the medium to make bold, visually striking choices that translate sound into cinematic experience.
Beyond directing, Raechel produces and collaborates with other independent filmmakers, including the upcoming feature "Tender," starring Jess Wexler and Jesse Garcia, and the film in development "Snare." She has worked across multiple departments, including costumes, and on productions such as Amazon’s "Transparent" and "I Love Dick" (both by Joey Soloway), as well as in roles like first assistant director. This versatility allows her to approach filmmaking with both creative insight and practical expertise, fostering collaborative and inventive productions.
Her work, including "Sinked Up" (premiered at Outfest), music videos, and feature collaborations, reflects her commitment to female-led crews, playful yet thoughtful storytelling, and character-driven humor. Raechel continues to establish herself as an emerging voice in contemporary sci-fi comedy, known for quirky, heartfelt, and visually striking work.
