Fire in Paradise (Zackary Canepari, Drea Cooper, 2019): USA

Reviewed by Natsuna Kikkawa. Viewed at the AFI Fest 2019.

In California, there are some wildfires every year. There are both a big fire and a small fire. When I moved the states, Thomas Fire occurred. The incident was the first time wildfire. This was really huge. However, Camp Fire was also very massive fire because the one beautiful town, Paradise, was gone. Fire in Paradise is focusing this terrible fire. And there are some storytellers who was living in Paradise and who was experienced the wildfire.

Fire in Paradise is directed by Drea Cooper and Zackary Canepari. The film is a winner of Best Short in Hamptons International Film Festival 2019. When the film started, there were some videos which people took them in Paradise before the Camp Fire occurred. The background was the green forest in that scene. Those looked very happy time, but the camera was moved from right to left. It means the film is going to horror or terrible time. When people see Fire in Paradise, I really want to say that they must remember this moment. If people put the scene in their head, they will be shamed about the end. The storyteller was mixed. It’s not in line. The first storyteller was the man who is a police officer, Rob Nichols. He was trying to say something, but he couldn’t. He’s crying. I still remember this very clearly even now. After that, the next storyteller was coming up. Woman who works in the fire department, Beth Bonersox, described the morning of November 8, 2018. First, when she saw that the wildfire happened in the mountain, she thought this was a normal. She didn’t think people don’t need to worry about it. However, the fire was growing really quickly and really extensive. Then, she noticed it’s not a normal. However, this was late. In that time, the fire department got a lot of phone calling. After this her talking, Fire in Paradise was totally began. Many storytellers were describing actually happening themselves. Everyone was crying while they’re talking. But when storyteller was crying and couldn’t talk, the scene didn’t cut. It has really extensive effect to my heart. Also, when the film ended, I couldn’t forget any shots, videos, talks, voices, and storyteller’s faces.

Most of time, the light was kind of low key. However, until Camp Fire ended, there were always red between talks. When the fire was in the screen, I didn’t sweat, but I felt very hot. Also, all of storytellers were wearing black or blue or navy clothes. This is contrasted the happening and talk. The sound fitted with each scene. For instance, when the story was going to harmful scene, the sound was like humble and sped up. Conversely, the talk was going that is kind of sadness, the sound stopped or sped down. Sometimes there are few real fires with huge sound for describing the Camp Fire with more reality.

In the Fire in Paradise, I remembered two young persons very strong. Both of them are family. First person is a girl who was living in Paradise. Her name is Madeline Johonson. Madeline and her family rode their car for escaping from the fire. However, during that time, her mother was very punished. Madeline’s father tried to stay calm to his wife. But, she couldn’t. Then, she said this to her mother. “I don’t wanna die. I won’t die today. Today is not my final day” (I think this statement might be a little bit inaccurate). I couldn’t believe it. If I were her, I think I can’t say the same. Also, another person is a boy who was eleven years old, Noha Johnson. He said to his mother too, “It’s gonna be okay” (this utterance may be not correct also). They were so strong, though they are younger than me. Other storyteller had also a strong mind. But, those two young kids were more effective person for me. I’ll never forget both of them and their talk.

After the film finished, two directors, Cooper and Canepari was answered some questions. When a chairperson asked how do they think about the wildfire which is like Camp Fire, they answered the California Government and Fire Department should change about deal of the wildfire because the person who works in the fire department right now can’t imagine which the fire will extend. The fire is growing up very fast. When people realize the fire is coming to their town, it will be too late. So, if they find just a little fire, they should go there for extinguishing that. The film is included this their two directors opinion. Storytellers didn’t say the same view, but their face, their voice, and their mood said so. When you watch this film, I hope you will be understood that.

Fire in Paradise is the really important film for California. If people will live or go or stay in the state, they should watch this film even people who lives the state already. When you don’t watch this film, I believe you don’t think about the wildfire seriously. You should hear the real opinion. It’s on Netflix now. So, I really recommend that you spent 40 minutes to watch the film. And if you like this after watching, please recommend your friends, family, neighbors, classmates, teachers, co-workers, or anyone who you want to tell.