Carried is my final thesis film at the New York Film Academy, a dark, psychological, and suspenseful story that explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the ways we attempt to reclaim control.

It follows a young woman who uses her body for rebellion and power, only to face an encounter that forces a reckoning with the past she’s spent years trying to outrun. At its core, the film examines the ripple effects of abandonment, desire, and the illusions of control. This story questions what we truly need, and what we were left needing.

This story is deeply personal to me, and intentionally shines a light on a subject that is normalized yet rarely spoken about: the ways young women are fetishized and the psychological imprint of familial neglect. It’s a strong female story that I hope will resonate with women who have felt powerless, and with any audience ready to confront the uncomfortable truths that shape our lives.

Carried is a stepping stone in my journey as a storyteller. This thesis film is a proof of concept for my first feature, and I rely on your support to bring the raw emotion, intimacy, and truth of this story to the screen. My goal is simple: to tell stories that impact audiences, to hold space for difficult experiences, and to enter the industry as a filmmaker unafraid to confront what others shy away from.

This isn’t just a vision — it’s execution here and now. Filming begins February 14.

Why not $10,000? Because I'm proving what's possible. $3,500 means making it NOW, and every dollar of your support immediately goes for fair pay for collaborators, locations, wardrobe, production design, post-production, and festival submissions.

About me:  Over the past year at NYFA I have directed multiple projects, honed my skills in every crew role imaginable, acted in nine films across New York, Mexico, and Los Angeles.  I directed both a commercial and a music video now premiering at a downtown LA gallery show.  I worked on location and on professional sound stages. I am the proud recipient of the coveted Ten Arts Foundation Scholarship, the O-Positive internship, and a NYFA grant. See my video in the slideshow above.

Next steps: The finished film will enter festival circulation, industry screenings, curated online showcases, and development conversations for a feature adaptation.

Community: This project is being developed within an active international filmmaking network, including connections through festival communities. Primarily a live-action film, select hybrid AI tools will be used responsibly to stretch production value. 

If this story resonates:

• Contribute if you can

• Share if you can’t

• Follow the journey either way

Thank you for believing that independent cinema matters—and that filmmakers like me deserve a chance to prove what we can do.

Let's make something unforgettable together.

— Mary Holland

PS:  When you back Carried, you're not just supporting one film—you're supporting a model of filmmaking that proves you don't need massive budgets or industry connections to tell powerful stories.

You're supporting a female filmmaker who's willing to hustle, sacrifice, and prove what's possible.

You're supporting cinema that doesn't look away from difficult truths.

And you're getting in on the ground floor of a filmmaker's career.

That's worth something.