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Logline

After enduring a four-year drought, an off-grid farmer embarks on a kayaking journey from her hometown creek in Appalachia all the way to the Gulf—seeking to reconnect with and redefine her relationship to water.

Synopsis

River Warrior follows Ann Rose, an off-grid farmer from Appalachia, as she embarks on an epic 1,895-mile kayaking journey from her backyard creek in Lansing, North Carolina, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. But this is more than an adventure story—it’s a portrait of personal transformation, environmental urgency, and fierce resilience.

Long before she dipped her paddle into the water, Ann had already chosen a different path. She left behind the trappings of a “normal” life to build Rose Mountain Farm, a self-sustaining homestead nestled in a close-knit Appalachian community. From tending soil to harvesting her own food, Ann’s life revolves around the land—and the water that nourishes it.

In the summer of 2024, as her quiet mountain town eased into the season, Ann set off on a bold new chapter. With only her kayak and a few essential supplies, she launched from her local creek on July 7th and paddled for three months toward the Gulf, driven by a desire for both personal discovery and public awareness. As a farmer, she understands the urgent importance of clean, reliable water—and this journey became her way of speaking up for the rivers that sustain us all.

Ann successfully completed her journey on September 27th, 2024. That same day, Hurricane Helene tore through her hometown, devastating the very land and community she calls home. What would’ve been a triumphant homecoming quickly shifted into a call to action for her community, as Ann turned from river warrior to relief worker—lending her strength to rebuild what was lost.

This documentary captures Ann’s incredible journey on the water—and the deeper currents of purpose, place, and persistence that carried her the whole way.

Meet the Filmmakers

Haley Mellon — Director/Producer
Haley Mellon is a documentary filmmaker based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Originally from Hickory, she earned her Film Studies degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington before relocating to Ashe County to create films rooted in Appalachian life and culture. In addition to her independent work, Haley contributes to the film and television industry in Charlotte, working on everything from local commercials to major studio productions. Her move to the mountains was an intentional creative decision—an opportunity to tell authentic stories connected to her ancestral roots. Immersed in the community and landscape, Haley found purpose in capturing the resilience and beauty of Appalachian life. When River Warrior came along, it felt like a calling. The film became the most transformative project of her career, deepening her bond with the people and places she documents. Beyond River Warrior, Haley is developing two new projects: a pilot exploring traditional Appalachian arts (with producer Caroline Renfro) and Everyone’s Uncle Bill, a short film about a behavioral psychologist with Alzheimer’s who helped pioneer the H.A.M. program that sent the first chimpanzee into space. Haley’s work celebrates individuality, perseverance, and the enduring human spirit.

Cassia Sherrill — Executive Producer
Cassia Sherrill is a Los Angeles–based filmmaker, producer, and storyteller driven by the belief that film has the power to awaken empathy and inspire change. Rooted in purpose, she approaches every project with equal parts creative vision and logistical precision—ensuring stories not only get made but truly resonate.

Her career spans a wide range of formats and genres, including major studio productions such as Netflix, where she supported the Transportation Department with budgeting, scheduling, and operations. Beyond film, Cassia has led creative marketing initiatives as Social Media Manager for Milk Jar Cookies, blending storytelling and community engagement through content strategy and brand development.

A graduate of Regent University with a BA in Cinema-Television, Cassia also studied at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, gaining hands-on experience in Hollywood. Her background includes roles as director, producer, writer, director’s assistant, AD, and PA—providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process from development to delivery.At the heart of her work lies an unwavering belief that stories matter. Cassia is drawn to narratives that amplify unheard voices, reveal truth, and foster collective transformation. For her, filmmaking is more than craft—it’s a catalyst for empathy, healing, and hope.

Savannah Dodd — Producer & Story Editor
Savannah Dodd is a seasoned Post-Production Supervisor and Creative Impact Producer with over 10 years of experience in documentary filmmaking, immersive media, and mission-driven content. Her expertise lies in guiding projects from development through final delivery, with a focus on environmental and social impact storytelling. Originally from Sri Lanka and Australia, Savannah is now based in Beverly Hills, California, where she champions nonfiction storytelling that educates, inspires, and sparks change.

Savannah holds an MFA in Film & Television and specializes in global post-production management and workflows through cloud-based platforms. Additionally her background in production includes extensive research and development, international field coordination, and the implementation of high-performing social media strategies with measurable ROI and audience growth exceeding 30 million viewers. Her work spans both nonprofit and corporate sectors, working with organizations such as Marriott International, First Media, The Ocean Exchange, Big Picture Ranch, and Immotion.
She is deeply involved in independent film strategy, supporting the launch and creative development of early-stage projects through campaign planning, budget structuring, and team coordination, while bringing a unique ability to merge creative storytelling with strategic execution to deliver content that is both visually compelling and purpose-driven.

Caroline Renfro — Producer
Caroline Renfro is an actor and emcee originally from Charlotte, NC. Formerly a personality for Radio Disney, the Charlotte Bobcats and the New York Knicks, Caroline spent over fifteen years traveling the country as a spokesperson and host. In 2015 Caroline had the honor of debuting the role of the Pilot in the Southeast regional premiere of Grounded, earning Creative Loafing Charlotte’s Best Actor and Theatreperson of The Year accolades for her work. She has also directed and coached emerging emcees and performers in schools, community productions and national tours.

Caroline moved to Ashe County in 2021. Caroline previously worked as Business manager for international bluegrass sensations the Kruger Brothers and served as Chair/CEO of Lost Province Center for the Cultural Arts and spearheaded their community relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. She is currently producing a pilot for a television series about art in Appalachia and will be opening a recording studio, Buddy Holler, in Lansing, NC this summer. She believes passionately in the arts and arts education and is thrilled to be a part of River Warrior, a project and cause close to her heart.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.