"We Burn Like This" is a film about Rae (Madeleine Coghlan), a descendant of Holocaust survivors, who becomes the target of neo-Nazis in Montana. As Rae navigates this threat, she is supported by her close friend Chrissy B (Devery Jacobs), a Native American woman, and together they move through a coming-of-age story shaped by fear, loyalty, and resilience. The film explores the inherited effects of intergenerational trauma, antisemitism, and the enduring strength needed for survival and healing.
Written and directed by Alana Waksman in her feature directorial debut, We Burn Like This is drawn from the lived experiences of her grandparents, who survived the Holocaust. The film was executive produced by Neda Armian of Armian Pictures (Rachel Getting Married, The Ballad of Lefty Brown), an Emmy and Peabody Award–winning producer. Marshall Granger, Eleanor Net, Diego Perez, and Jeri Rafter round out the producing team, in association with Yagan and Pink Phoenix Films. The film is a recipient of a Montana Big Sky Film Grant.
I was cast as Skinny Woman and collaborated with a close-knit, dedicated ensemble cast. My character functions as a charismatic enabler—someone seeking belonging and importance within her own social circle—offering a gateway invitation that normalizes coping through drugs and alcohol. Within the story, she represents how communities can quietly reinforce destructive behaviors under the guise of connection.
The film had its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and its international premiere at the Deauville American Film Festival, followed by a strong festival run that reflected the film’s urgency and relevance.
We Burn Like This is available for streaming, with viewing links located at the bottom of this page.
Behind the Scenes Pictures (Photos: Mary Riitano)
Written and directed by Alana Waksman in her feature directorial debut, We Burn Like This is drawn from the lived experiences of her grandparents, who survived the Holocaust. The film was executive produced by Neda Armian of Armian Pictures (Rachel Getting Married, The Ballad of Lefty Brown), an Emmy and Peabody Award–winning producer. Marshall Granger, Eleanor Net, Diego Perez, and Jeri Rafter round out the producing team, in association with Yagan and Pink Phoenix Films. The film is a recipient of a Montana Big Sky Film Grant.
I was cast as Skinny Woman and collaborated with a close-knit, dedicated ensemble cast. My character functions as a charismatic enabler—someone seeking belonging and importance within her own social circle—offering a gateway invitation that normalizes coping through drugs and alcohol. Within the story, she represents how communities can quietly reinforce destructive behaviors under the guise of connection.
The film had its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and its international premiere at the Deauville American Film Festival, followed by a strong festival run that reflected the film’s urgency and relevance.
We Burn Like This is available for streaming, with viewing links located at the bottom of this page.
Behind the Scenes Pictures (Photos: Mary Riitano)
PRESS: Clicking/tapping: We Burn Like This Press Kit Page will take you to the landing page for press releases
Awards and Nominations
- Winner: Best Narrative Feature (Fargo Film Festival)
- Winner: Best Director (Phoenix Film Festival)
- Winner: Best Emerging Filmmaker (Woods Hole Film Festival)
- Winner: Best Feature (2023 NFMLA Awards)
- Winner: Best Performance (Madeleine Coghlan) (Nòt Film Fest)
- Winner: Audience Choice Award (Montana International Film Festival)
- Nominee: New Directors Competition (São Paulo International Film Festival)
Clicking on the images below takes you to the
Amazon Prime and Apple landing pages to watch the film
Amazon Prime and Apple landing pages to watch the film
