WNC News -- August 2, 2026: A new documentary highlighting the impact of Tropical Storm Helene on Burnsville and surrounding Yancey County communities is now streaming on the Angel platform.
"Scars on the Mountain" is a 66-minute documentary directed by Christopher Pike and filmed by David Plummer. The film premiered on Angel on July 30 and tells the story of Helene's devastation through the firsthand experiences of local residents, emergency responders, volunteers, and community leaders.
Rather than relying on narration, the documentary allows survivors to tell their own stories, offering viewers a personal look at the challenges, loss, resilience, and recovery efforts that followed the historic flooding and destruction caused by Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024.
Among those featured in the film are volunteer firefighter Ivan Barnes, Yancey County EMS Director Kristy Bryant, Yancey County Sheriff Shane Hilliard, Navy search-and-rescue veteran Pete Lewicki, furniture store co-owner Jane Peterson, and several Yancey County families whose lives were forever changed by the storm.
The documentary serves as both a historical record and a tribute to the people who came together during one of Western North Carolina's most difficult chapters.
Viewers can watch "Scars on the Mountain" on the Angel streaming platform:
Watch "Scars on the Mountain" on Angel
Additional information about the documentary, including its background and production, is available at:
Scars on the Mountain Official Website
One suggestion before publishing: verify whether Angel is still offering the film free to all viewers or only to Angel Guild members, as the availability messaging has been inconsistent. That way your article remains completely accurate.