Brody, my son, is a dedicated film student at SCAD, and I am so proud of the hard work and heart he’s poured into his senior thesis film, 'The Drive.' This film is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story about two lifelong friends who rebuild cars together. As one friend prepares to leave for college and the other stays behind, their bond is tested by change, loss, and the dream of one final drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. When tragedy strikes their hometown during a catastrophic storm, the story becomes a tribute to friendship, resilience, and the healing power found in the breathtaking beauty of Western North Carolina—the mountains, the forests, and the vistas that have shaped so many lives.

Brody’s inspiration for this film comes from his own experiences growing up in Asheville and witnessing the devastation of Helene. He’s dedicated 'The Drive' to the victims and survivors of that storm, hoping to honor their strength and the city he loves so much. The project has already brought our community together—neighbors have volunteered meals, opened their homes for the crew, and shared equipment and expertise. It’s truly become a labor of love, reflecting Brody’s deep connection to Asheville and his belief in the power of art to heal.

We’re raising funds to help pay the talented actors and crew, rent essential equipment like special lenses, lights, and camera rigs, and provide meals, snacks, and costumes for everyone involved. Every donation, no matter the size, will directly support the people and resources needed to bring Brody’s vision to life. If you’d like to help by making or delivering a meal, please reach out and I’ll share our sign-up sheet! We are deeply grateful for your support—every donor will be credited in the film, and we hope to celebrate with a screening in Asheville and share Brody’s work at film festivals around the country. Thank you for helping us make this dream a reality and for believing in the power of art and community.