Hearing Is Believing

Rachel Flowers was born on December 21, 1993, at just 15 weeks premature, weighing a mere one pound and five ounces. Despite this difficult start to life, she demonstrated tremendous resilience that would shape her future.

Due to Retinopathy of Prematurity, Rachel unfortunately lost her sight, marking a significant challenge in her early life. However, this setback did not deter her from exploring her innate musical talents.

By the age of two, Rachel showcased her extraordinary gift by playing songs she heard by ear, revealing her perfect pitch. This remarkable ability hinted at her future as a gifted musician.

Rachel began her formal music education at just four years old, enrolling as a student at the Southern California Conservatory of Music. This early start set the foundation for her lifelong passion for music.

Over the next decade, Rachel dedicated herself to piano studies and learned the Braille Music Code along with adaptive computer music applications. This knowledge would prove essential in her musical journey.

Rachel gained national attention as she was featured in segments on 60 Minutes in 2005 and 2008. These appearances spotlighted the Music Academy for the Blind in Los Angeles, showcasing both her talent and resilience.

Rachel shares her life with her mother Jeanie, her brother Vaughan, and her father Dan in Oxnard, California. This close-knit family dynamic plays a crucial role in Rachel's life and musical development.

Dan Flowers, Rachel's father, faces his own struggles with failing eyesight due to a genetic condition. His attendance at mobility training classes at the Braille Institute in Santa Barbara reflects the challenges that the family navigates together.

The film features contributions from music legends such as Stevie Wonder, Dweezil Zappa, and jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Their involvement highlights the support and recognition Rachel receives from the wider music community.

Production on *Hearing is Believing* commenced in March 2014, as the film team began capturing Rachel's life and family dynamics over 42 days of footage. This period of filming is crucial to telling their story.

The team faced inherent uncertainties that come with independent filmmaking while focusing on the Flowers family's compelling story. Despite the obstacles, their aim is to create a resonating portrayal of Rachel's experience.

Rachel's original piece, 'At The End Of The Day,' was recorded by the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, showcasing her exceptional musical abilities. This accomplishment emphasizes her talent and dedication to her craft.

Throughout the film, the Flowers family navigates both joyful and challenging moments, with Rachel’s music serving as their inspiring soundtrack. The narrative focuses on the strength of family ties and the beauty of musical expression.

Now 21 years old, Rachel exemplifies resilience as she continues her journey as a musician. Her story serves as an inspiration, shedding light on the strength found in adversity and the power of music.