An NYU Graduate Thesis Film by Kyrah Holley
Brown
Waters
A coming-of-age story from the Bible Belt of the Deep South.
Thank You
Thank you.
We crossed the river together.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we are so close to fully funding Brown Waters. Filming begins soon in Cartersville, Georgia. Every single donor has brought Adena's world to life — and we are still welcoming contributions to help us cross the finish line.
Every donor will be thanked in the film's credits.
*Unless they choose to remain anonymous.
Credit Tiers
Donate any amount you're comfortable with — every contribution matters. These special credits are unlocked at the following levels.
$500
Associate Producer
Your name in the credits as an Associate Producer on the film.
$1,000
Executive Producer
Your name in the credits as an Executive Producer on the film.
The Story
The fragile passage from girlhood to womanhood.
Logline
Set in the rural American South, Brown Waters follows 11-year-old Adena as she begins to see the world around her differently after her older friend Mary Anne becomes the subject of gossip and isolation in their church community.
Set in the rural American South, Brown Waters follows 11-year-old Adena as she begins to see the world around her differently after her older friend Mary Anne becomes the subject of gossip and isolation in their church community. As Adena navigates friendship, girlhood, and the complicated truths of adulthood, she is forced to confront the loss of innocence that comes with growing up and seeing the adults in her life in a new light.
Brown Waters is a coming-of-age story about girlhood, freedom, and the quiet rebellion of choosing compassion.
“An ambiguous time period — purposefully mixing stylistic and technological cues to create a timeless, slightly surreal atmosphere.”
The Director
Kyrah Holley
Director · Writer · Producer
Kyrah Holley is a Manhattan-based director, writer, and producer currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Graduate Film at New York University. Originally from Georgia, Kyrah's storytelling is deeply rooted in the culture, complexities, and cadence of the American South.
Her work explores themes of Black identity, legacy, and place — often paying homage to her Southern upbringing through rich character-driven narratives. Passionate about expanding the canon of Black stories in film and television, Kyrah is committed to creating emotionally resonant work that centers Black voices with authenticity and care.
NYU Graduate Film
NYU's Graduate Film Program is one of the most prestigious in the world, known for producing visionary filmmakers. NYU student films have premiered and won awards at Sundance, Cannes, Berlinale, Venice, and Tribeca — and have gone on to receive both Academy Awards and Student Academy Awards.
Thank You For Bringing Adena's Story to Life
Because of you, this film is happening. Every donor will be thanked by name in the film's credits.
See Our Progress