On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through the mountains of Western North Carolina, unleashing devastating floods that reshaped both the landscape and the lives of those who call it home. Rivers surged beyond their banks, roads crumbled, homes were lost, and entire communities were left reeling.
But this is not just a story of destruction. It is a story of what came next.
Rising Above Helene is a documentary about the strength of people and community. Through heartfelt interviews, sweeping visuals, and on-the-ground storytelling, the film captures the quiet determination of neighbors who came together to rebuild what was broken. Across the counties of Western North Carolina, we see the resilience that defines these mountain communities.
Local governments played a key role in the recovery, helping to coordinate emergency response and support long-term rebuilding. Their efforts, alongside those of countless volunteers and community members, helped lay the foundation for renewal and hope.
This film is a tribute to the spirit of Western North Carolina, a region where the rivers may rise but the people rise higher.
