Watermark

“Watermark” features three documentaries produced by UNC Hussman students in “MEJO 560: Environmental Video Storytelling” and “MEJO 582: Advanced Documentary Storytelling.” The documentaries aired on PBS NC on Sept. 24, 2026.

About Watermark

Explore life in western North Carolina two years after Hurricane Helene in three short documentaries by students at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. Through stories of recovery, forgiveness and resilience, the films follows individuals rebuilding their homes, livelihoods and connections to the communities they call home.

After the Flood

Produced by Maggie McIntyre ’25

When Hurricane Helene devastated rural North Carolina, Shelby Tramel faced unimaginable loss as her general store was swallowed by rising waters. Overwhelmed but determined, she chose to rebuild—not just her store, but a sense of hope for her tight-knit community. This documentary captures Shelby’s journey from and the stakes of reviving a vital hub in a small town that refuses to be washed away.

Finding Bobo 

Produced by Hayden Wittenborn ’26 (M.A.)

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, destroying Lalena “Punkin” Roberts’ home and claiming many of her more than 100 birds, including her beloved emu, Bobo. “I wouldn’t change the flood,” Roberts said. “It made me a better person – a different person.” 

Undercurrents

Produced by Aayas D. Joshi ’26

A year after Hurricane Helene upended life in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a couple discovered that the greatest threat to the river they love may come from those trying to fix it.