By Katie Chambers
Karen Goeller is a gifted storyteller whose work spans literature, film, television, and live performance. Since launching her film career in 2012, she has contributed to more than 100 productions both in front of and behind the camera.
As a long-standing member of NYWIFT, Karen has built a reputation as a talented actor, script supervisor, writer, and producer.
And as a writer, she’s earned awards for three screenplays — Escape Artists, Best First Dates…NOT, and Missy’s Voice.
Also the author of 20 published books spanning gymnastics, fitness, and children’s literature, Karen continues to inspire across multiple platforms.
With a unique background in law, health sciences, and athletics, her work reflects creativity, strength, and authenticity — qualities that define her as a dynamic and enduring force in storytelling.
Karen’s latest project, Missy’s Voice, highlights themes of resilience and triumph through the story of a bullied young singer who eventually finds her voice. She spoke to us about exciting new developments for Missy’s Voice and what we can look forward to next.
NYWIFT Member Karen Goeller
Tell us about Missy’s Voice. What inspired you to make the film?
Something someone said on the radio triggered a childhood memory. I then thought it would be a cute short film. I then realized that I could publish a book much faster than producing a film, so I did that. And then a few producers said that it is a great story and encouraged me to extend the story to a feature. I did that. We have begun filming and it has been amazing.
How did you first connect with director Joe Gawalis and how did you decide he was the right fit for the project?
I first met Joe at networking events for people in the film industry. We ran into each other at various events and I had the opportunity to see his films. I knew he was talented and had a great reputation for completing projects.
After speaking with others who were not the right fit for this project I took a chance and called him. I was not sure he would be interested in the topic or have time to take this project. Thankfully he has taken this project and has moved it forward.
What was your approach to finding the five young women who lead the film? What are you most excited for audiences to see from them?
Joe’s company posted the roles in the official Breakdown Services and interacted with various agents. All of the girls auditioned against many others that submitted. We had well over 5000 submissions for just 10 roles. They each had something very unique, special. And they created true friendships on set.
What was your biggest challenge creating this project? And favorite moment?
The biggest challenge is funding, like so many other films.
And the favorite moment was actually seeing the first scene being shot. It was incredible to hear the actors speak my written words and bring these characters to life. All the time I spent writing, promoting, and finding the right team was finally a reality.
NYWIFT Member Karen Goeller
What are your plans for the project at the upcoming American Film Market?
Joe Gawalis will be meeting with other professionals in the industry to discuss their potential involvement in this project.
What do you hope audiences take away from the film?
Be kind, follow your passion, make time for family, and believe in yourself.
Stay tuned for details on the film’s soon-to-be announced New Jersey premiere.
Learn more about the project at www.missysvoice.com, connect with Karen Goeller on Instagram at @karengoeller and on LinkedIn.
(All images courtesy of Karen Goeller)
Katie Chambers
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Christina Brennan
Welcome to NYWIFT, Christina Brennan! Christina is a New York–based filmmaker whose work explores the emotional complexity of young womanhood through bold, conversation-driven storytelling. She is particularly drawn to dystopian, psychological thriller, and comedy genres, often blending tension and humor. As a recent graduate, she made her directorial debut with the short film Dear Nora, which won first place at AGBO’s No Sleep ’Til Film Festival—marking an exciting start to her creative career. In addition to her work behind the camera, Christina is the founder of Onore Films, a community dedicated to supporting and connecting young women in film through collaboration and shared resources. With experience across multiple areas of production, she approaches filmmaking as both a creative practice and a way to foster meaningful connection. In our interview, Christina discussed her journey into filmmaking, the inspiration behind Dear Nora, and her passion for building community among emerging women in film.
READ MOREFrom Set to Screen: Katherine Filaseta and Ellie Sachs Celebrate Lucy Shulman at Tribeca
The 25th anniversary of the Tribeca Festival is shining a spotlight on bold storytelling, unforgettable voices, and films that capture the spirit of New York City — and Lucy Shulman is doing exactly that. Premiering as part of the festival’s prestigious U.S. Narrative Competition, the sharply funny and deeply heartfelt feature follows a young woman navigating heartbreak, family dynamics, bad dates, and the complicated journey of finding herself again. Written, directed by, and starring filmmaker Ellie Sachs, the film blends humor with emotional honesty in a way that feels both intimate and universally relatable.
Behind the scenes, NYWIFT member Katherine Filaseta played a vital role as Second Assistant Director, helping keep the ambitious production moving while supporting the creative vision that brought the story to life. In this exclusive conversation, Ellie Sachs and Katherine Filaseta open up about collaboration, creative trust, independent filmmaking, the realities of balancing multiple roles on set, and what it means to premiere a deeply personal New York story at one of the city’s most celebrated film festivals.
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Chicava Roslyn Tate
Welcome to NYWIFT, Chicava Roslyn Tate! Chicava is a burlesque artist, actor, producer, and leading scholar of Black women in burlesque. For more than 15 years, she served as Creative Producer of New York City's Brown Girls Burlesque, developing political and theatrical shows across the United States and internationally. She holds an MFA from Goddard College, where her studies focused on Black burlesque herstory, Taoism, and sacred sexuality. Chicava’s work spans performance, film, and scholarship, including directing The Skin I’m In, co-writing and directing Becoming Betty Page, and developing the docu-series Black Bombshells, which explores the history and cultural legacy of Black women in burlesque and pinup. As an actor, she has appeared in Chock Full Till Empty, Nicole Franklin’s Title VII, and Spike Lee’s film She Hate Me. In our interview, Chicava reflected on her creative journey, the overlooked history of Black women in burlesque, and the projects she is developing to preserve and celebrate this cultural legacy.
READ MORENia Long Invites Audiences to Celebrate Joy, Legacy, and Love in Michael
For more than four decades, renowned actress Nia Long has defined what it means to bring authenticity and emotional depth to the screen. A cultural icon in her own right, she now takes on one of her most meaningful roles to date, portraying Katherine Jackson in the highly anticipated biopic Michael. Tammy Reese sat down with Nia Long for an exclusive conversation about her latest role.
READ MORE
Comments are closed