Against All Odds: The Odyssey of “We’re Not Married?”
From struggle to screen: How one filmmaker's unwavering determination brought "We're Not Married?" to life against all odds.
Rooted in Purpose
Rae began as a creative navigating the unpredictable landscape of independent filmmaking through a group called Women of Color Filmmakers. What started as conversations about short films, representation, and cultural expectations grew into a bold decision: to co-write a feature film. We’re Not Married? is an honest, humorous, and sometimes raw exploration of what happens when a couple realizes their relationship may not be what they thought. Rae’s commitment to authentic storytelling allowed her to build something bigger than herself—a relatable, unfiltered, deeply human narrative.
Funding the Dream—From Her Own Pockets
Once the script was complete, Rae faced a barrier familiar to thousands of independent filmmakers: funding. Rather than wait for a miracle, she became one. Drawing on her own credit, business lines, and strategic partnerships—including a financial collaboration with her director and pitching to the founder of Evolution Travel—she poured every spare dollar into transforming We’re Not Married? from words on a page into a living, breathing film. Every location, prop, costume, and camera hour represented both sacrifice and unwavering commitment. The set ran not on budget, but on passion, precision, and intuition.
Running Out of Funds—But Not Out of Fight
As production neared its end, financial strain threatened to halt progress. Rae responded with ingenuity: leveraging favors, streamlining editing, and trading services to make impossible deadlines possible. The film was finished—but distribution presented the next mountain to climb.
The Tubi Triumph
After numerous discussions with independent distributors, Rae signed with Glass Slipper Pictures. Though not all collaborators agreed with the choice, Rae’s resilience prevailed. On July 29, 2025, We’re Not Married? premiered on Tubi, reaching a broad, diverse audience and proving that the late nights, sacrifices, and uncertainties were worth every effort.
A Testament to Perseverance
The journey of We’re Not Married? is a case study in artistic courage. Rae refused to wait for permission, perfect conditions, or external validation. She trusted her voice, defied the odds, and employed sixty-five cast and crew members in Los Angeles during the SAG-AFTRA strike.
We’re Not Married? is more than a film—it is a declaration that stories matter, that collaboration is powerful, and that extraordinary achievements often come from ordinary people who refuse to give up.
Rae Lashea is an accomplished author, screenwriter, and producer based in Las Vegas who transitioned from education to creative entrepreneurship. As founder of Rae Lashea Inc., she produces feature films, web series, and literary works focused on mindfulness and empowerment. Her achievements include the film "We're Not Married?" on Tubi and the "52 Weeks of Miracles" course. She actively mentors fellow creatives and…
