Welcome to our donation page.

Here's our fundraising video for more information on the project!

The Story Behind the Sword

We're creating The Flame Within, a short film that reimagines the birth of the King Arthur legend through a grounded, emotional lens. This is not the story of a destined king pulling a magical sword from a stone: it is the story of a young man who loses everything and must decide whether to run or stand.

Set in the brutal aftermath of Rome's withdrawal from Britain (480-520 CE), THE FLAME WITHIN follows a reluctant warrior forced to confront grief, legacy, and the true cost of sacrifice when Saxon invaders threaten his mother's village.

Why This Film Matters

The Arthurian legends have been told countless times, but rarely do we see Arthur as he might have truly been: young, uncertain, and human.

This is a story about:

What we owe to those who came before us
Uncovering who "King Arthur" was as a young adult coming of age
Experiencing stages of grief as a young person
Finding strength in our darkest moments

DONATING INCENTIVES

Donate $25+ and receive a social media shoutout!

Donate $50+ and receive a custom postcard, personalized thank you note from our crew, and social media shout out!

Donate $100+ and receive a custom matchbox, postcard, thank you note, and social media shout out!

Donate $250+ and receive a personalized video thank you from the cast, custom matchbox, custom lighter, postcard, thank you note, and social media shout out!

Donate $500+ and have your name in our credits, receive a custom matchbox, lighter, postcard, thank you note, and social media shout out!

Donate $1000+ and we will send you a special surprise basket of thank you goodies, have your name in our credits, and send personalized behind-the-scenes footage of the film process!

(Please note: all physical merchandise will be sent out if we reach our fundraising goal)

Our Characters

ARTHUR (early 20s) A restless young man torn between honoring his mother's legacy of service and obeying his father's demand for silence. When tragedy forces his hand, he must transform from an uncertain boy into the warrior his people desperately need.

AMBROSIUS (late 30s-40s) A once-great warrior now broken by loss, desperately trying to keep his son away from the violence that destroyed everyone he loved.

MYRDDWEN (50s-60s) A weathered wanderer who knew Arthur's mother and refuses to let her sacrifice be forgotten. She speaks hard truths because someone must, pushing Arthur and Ambrosius to face what they've been avoiding.

BEORNHELM A legendary Saxon warlord who has carved his name into Britain ruthlessly. He sees Arthur as just another boy playing soldier, until he learns that desperation and grief can be deadlier than skill.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Donate: Every contribution, big or small, brings The Flame Within closer to the screen. We are eternally grateful.

Follow: Stay up to date on our journey by following our campaign here, and on Instagram (@TheFlameWithinThesis)

Share: Spread the word with family, friends, classmates, and anyone who believes in supporting student filmmakers with something to say.

Our community means the world to us.

The Flame Within Short Film

Help us make our Dodge College Senior Thesis

Team Members