Help Spark 'Flames' Mary Holland's Short Film

Hi!

My name is Mary Holland, I'm studying at New York Film Academy, and I’m a filmmaker with something to say.

I’m raising $3,000 to bring my first independent short film, Flames, to life—and I need your help to make it happen.

Fueled by the honor of receiving a coveted scholarship from the 10Arts Foundation at NYFA, I have set out to create something special, realizing I can be the voice of positive change for those who need it, expand story telling, and perhaps alter minds to see different perspectives in each circumstance.

What if you could run away? From the life and relationships you have, create something more passionate and exciting, maybe do something you’ve always wanted, to escape the protected bubble you’ve made? What if someone pulled you from your safe reality into a world that’s thrilling and unfamiliar?

‘Flames’ is a raw, intimate short film that explores the boundaries of sexual identity, and the limitations we place on ourselves. It’s about friendship, transformation, and the tangled lines between connection, attraction, confusion, and above all, love.

I’m making this film to amplify underrepresented voices, bringing a much-needed perspective to mainstream thinking. I’ve always been drawn to stories that follow individuals who face daunting challenges and societal barriers, yet reveal remarkable inner strength and resilience. Through my films, I aim to foster a deeper understanding of the profound experiences that shape what it means to be human.

With Flames, I’m not just telling a story, I’m sharpening my voice as a storyteller committed to societal change for the better. This film is one of many steps I’m taking in a career shaped by purpose, where being human needs no justification, and representation isn’t a luxury, it’s the baseline. Support me in my idealism to make a difference.

Synopsis

When Ella runs into a captivating stranger at a chaotic thrift store, sparks fly, until she realizes this magnetic woman is actually Damien, her high school sweetheart, now living openly as Didi. Set over the course of a few emotionally charged encounters, as the two reconnect, their undeniable chemistry reignites old feelings in a new form, and Ella is forced to confront everything she thought she knew about love, identity, and herself.

Character Bio's:

Enter Ella

An introverted over-thinker raised in the conservative corners of Utah, where feelings go to be quietly judged. She works as an executive assistant, meaning she keeps everyone else’s chaos in order while quietly spiraling in her own. On the outside, she’s polished, composed, and always in control. Beneath the surface, she’s deeply introspective, stubborn, and quietly conflicted, craving a more passionate and unpredictable life than the one she’s built.

Ella’s attraction to Didi is instant, she doesn’t know what it means, but she knows it’s real... and that terrifies her.

Enter Didi

Didi is the type of woman who walks into a room and immediately raises the temperature -and not just because of her heels. Raised in the same conservative Utah bubble as Ella, she left it behind (in flames, probably) and rebuilt herself from the inside out. Didi is a confident photographer, charismatic, and emotionally grounded. She has reinvented her world on her own terms and refuses to compromise her identity for anyone. She’s extroverted, kind, and unbothered by external judgment. Her pride and fear of being used makes her quick to shut people out. She sees Ella, under all the hesitation, control, and denial.

She still wants Ella, but only if she sees her fully.

If you've ever questioned who you're allowed to love, or how you're allowed to feel, this story is for you. Help us bring it to life.

Your Donation will go towards raising the stakes:

Funding Goal: $3,000

Every single contribution brings us closer—whether it’s $10, $50, or $1,000. No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to our GoFundMe.

If you can’t donate but want to help, please pass this along to someone who might. Even one share can start something big.

I have the story. I have the crew.

Together, let’s spark change. Let’s spark Flames.

Thank you for considering supporting my project!

-Mary

Still not convinced? Here's sneak peak inside...

Mary Holland's Portfolio

'More than I Should' a heartfelt short about crossing the line from friendship to romance.

"Tinder Terror' A fun micro short about dating experiences.

'Lost' a dramatic scene where a mother loses control.

'Pregame Gone Wrong' a silly short about two drunk best friends.

'Moments' an Introductory Montage to a feature film.

Thank you for your contribution and kindness.