Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - From the rolling Appalachian Mountains to the Hollywood Hills, local filmmakers are preparing to travel to the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, California, for the premiere of a short film shot in North Carolina. The short film "For Your Future Wife" follows a young man after a breakup as he tries to discover the beauty of a new relationship, while his ex-girlfriend deals with the aftermath of his abuse.
Director Megan Petersen graduated from Lincolnton High School in 2001 with no intention of making it big, until she met another NC actor who worked on a TV show. At that moment, Petersen realized that her dream could become a reality. When asked if growing up in a small community helped shape her creativity, she responded:
Director Megan Petersen
"I'm forever grateful for how living in a small town gave me the confidence to pursue this career. My father was very involved in the Lincoln Cultural Center, and I would tag along with him to his play rehearsals and performances, finally jumping into theater there myself." - Megan Petersen
Producer Kiersten Houser said growing up in a small town was a challenge. When she graduated from Cherryville High School in 2012, there were no creative outlets to pursue. Instead, she turned to the community for inspiration and support.
Producer Kiersten Houser
"...small town life and knowing my community was what led me to create stories where that lifestyle is personified." - Kiersten Houser.
For writer and actress Meagan Golden, "For Your Future Wife" is her debut short film as a writer. She said the story was inspired by personal experiences from her late teens that continued to affect her for years. Through film, she hopes to shed light on the lasting impact of emotional abuse and remind others that they are not alone.
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Although the film is headed to Hollywood, its roots remain planted in North Carolina. The project was made entirely in-state, within Wilmington's thriving film community. Many members of the cast and crew are alumni of UNC Wilmington's film and theater programs, and the filmmakers intentionally sought local talent first.
"My hope is that someone from a small town will know their voice matters, their stories are important, and to have the courage to pursue their dreams because it is possible." - Megan Petersen
"For Your Future Wife" is set to premiere on June 25, 2026, at the filmmaker-focused Dance With Films festival, held at the iconic TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California.
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