"After leaving an abusive relationship, Elizabeth takes a bath unknowingly getting trapped by the water and memories of the past."

Are We Still Burning? is a Senior Thesis film written and directed by Megan McRacken with the supervision of Western Carolina University's Film and Television Production program. This short film will be produced in the fall of 2025 and we need YOUR help raising funds to bring this story to life! The money we raise will go towards locations, production design, and food costs to ensure that our cast and crew are kept happy, safe, and fed on set.

Included in this goal is an additional 15% of our budget which we will be donating to The Center of Domestic Peace in Sylva, NC- a non-profit group which provides direct support to victims of interpersonal violence.

This story explores the elusive highs and lows of an abusive relationship- an occurrence that is not widely talked about but is very real. Our cast and crew holds a strong belief that this story needs to be told, and we have been putting in months of work to carefully craft and build every part of this production. We want nothing more than to help this project succeed, and we are excited to get to work!

Please meet our Above-the-Line team:

Director/Writer - Megan McRacken

My name is Megan McRacken. I am a senior here at Western Carolina University. Are We Still Burning is a script I wrote about two years ago to bring awareness to domestic violence. I want to be able to show women and men that they are not alone with the experiences they go through. Even when we feel isolated and scared there is always someone in our corner even if we don't realize it yet. I am so thankful I have been chosen to direct my film this year. These funds will go towards the costs of making this film along with 15% of any money i have raised or any profit i receive will be donated to the Center of Domestic Peace in Sylva.

Producer - Gabbi Flynn

I will be producing this project remotely, but I am beyond excited to help this film succeed. I've had experience in many different roles while at WCU including producing and DPing other thesis and independent films, and I can't wait to do it again. I've watched this story develop from the start and I am very passionate about ensuring it gets made in a fun, safe, and efficient way.

Director of Photography - Seth Warner

*As a thank you for your donation, we will credit your name in the film. This would not be possible without the generous help of our families, friends, and community.*

Anything helps!