On the morning of Nov. 8, 2018, a devastating firestorm engulfed the picturesque city of Paradise, California. By the time the Camp Fire was extinguished, it had killed 85 people, displaced 50,000 residents and destroyed 95% of local structures. It was the deadliest U.S. fire in 100 years — and the worst ever in California’s history. REBUILDING PARADISE, from Academy Award-winning director RON HOWARD, is a moving story of resilience in the face of tragedy, as a community ravaged by disaster comes together to recover what was lost and begin the important task of rebuilding.
The National Geographic title features devastating first-hand footage of the violent wildfire ripping through the Butte County town and emphasizes the immense feelings of loss and grief Paradise residents faced.
“They’re struggling, they’re still struggling. PTSD is a major factor in all of this,” – Ron Howard.
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Joined by producers Sara Bernstein and Xan Parker as well as two of the film’s subjects Michelle John and Steve Culleton, Howard reflected upon the film’s balancing act between the unfortunate ruin and the optimism brought on by the scathing wildfire. The director said that going into the filming process for Rebuilding Paradise, he had no idea where the story would take him. Unlike a scripted feature, the documentary didn’t have a pre-written third act, he said. The instances of both loss and renewal as well as the balance of the two, however, came organically from the members of the Paradise community.
“You balance it because that’s what you witness,” Howard said.
During the panel, he and his producers also explained that they wanted to put viewers in the residents’ shoes and urge them to think about how they would react in similar situations.
“Our hope was that this film would be more about strength and community and showcase the heroes who have lived through the fire and have been committed to rebuilding, especially in this moment of time when communities all around the world are struggling with the aftermath of a catastrophe of this pandemic,” Bernstein said. “[Rebuilding Paradise] offers hope to people who feel they can’t move on or can’t rebuild.”
Adding onto Bernstein’s answer, the Backdraft and Apollo 13 director said that while the documentary covers a single moment of emergency, it asks the larger questions people will eventually encounter when they face a similar struggle or crisis.
“What do we expect from society, what do we expect from ourselves, our neighbors? Our federal government? Our local government?,” Howard asked.
“A sincere and skillfully assembled tribute to a community’s fortitude.”
LESLEY FELPERIN, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
TAKE ACTION
Thank you for your interest in supporting victims of the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. The following organizations are still providing direct assistance to the community:
You can also consider supporting recovery efforts provided by the following organizations as other natural disasters arise:
Butte Hope
Hopeline: (530)966-7382
E-mail: buttehope@nvcss.org
Facebook: @buttehope.nvcssThe Disaster Distress Helpline
1 (800) 985-5990 or Text: TalkWithUs to 66746Butte County Behavioral Health
(530) 872-6328 – Youth (ages 0-24)
(530) 877-5845 – Adults (ages 18 and over)
North Valley Talk Line
(855) 582-5554
Mental Health for Kids & Youth
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-8255
Enloe Behavioral Health
(530) 332-5250
Heartstrings Counseling – 8 Free sessions for Camp Fire Survivors
(916) 676-7405
Caring Choices – 8 Free sessions for Camp Fire Survivors
(866) 703-3873
Valley Oak Children’s Services
(530) 895-3572
Tzu Chi Chico
(530) 801-6335
CA Parent & Youth Helpline
855-4APARENT (855-427-2736)
Mental Health Tips:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association provides resources specifically designed around coping with disasters or traumatic events. These resources include:
- Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Traumatic Event
- Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
- Tips for Health Care Practitioners and Responders
Mental Health Tips:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association provides resources specifically designed around coping with disasters or traumatic events. These resources include:
