Watch Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story

Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story is a gripping documentary film released in 2020. Directed by Michael Milano and produced by Thatcher Bean, the film records the devastating events of the historic wildfires that affected the Ojai Valley in 2017. The film tells a tale of courage, resilience, and hope, as the community members of Ojai come together in the face of adversity.

The movie begins with the serene images of the beautiful Ojai Valley, a small town located in Ventura County, California, known for its picturesque mountains, oak trees, and vibrant community. However, the film takes a somber turn when the audience is shown the catastrophic wildfire that began on December 4, 2017, and ravaged the town for more than a week. The wildfire, which was later called the Thomas Fire, quickly became the largest wildfire in California’s history outside the Bay Area, ultimately affecting over 400,000 acres of land and forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story visualizes how people from different backgrounds and lifestyles were impacted by the wildfire. The documentary features interviews with various Ojai residents, including firefighters, business owners, artists, and parents, who bravely share their stories and experiences.

One such person is Colleen Roffe, a resident of the area who lost her home to the wildfire. As the audience watches the flames consume her home, Roffe tells the audience about her fears, anxieties, and the pain of losing everything she had ever known. She also expresses her undying gratitude for the friends, family, and strangers who rallied around her and helped her get back on her feet.

In addition to personal narratives, the documentary also spotlights the firefighting efforts that took place throughout the valley. Firefighters from all over the state worked tirelessly to put out the roaring flames, risking their lives to save the residents of Ojai. The film shows graphic footage of the Thomas Fire blazing through the town and illuminates the hardships and sacrifices the firefighters had to make in their attempts to control the wildfire.

The film also highlights the importance of community and how people can come together to support each other during times of crisis. The audience sees firsthand how locals offered shelter, food, and other necessary supplies to the people who were affected by the fire. Businesses, shops, and religious organizations also played a significant role in providing a safety net for their fellow community members.

Towards the end of the documentary, the film captures the efforts of the residents of Ojai to recover from the aftermath of the wildfire. The audience is shown how people take small steps towards rebuilding their homes and their lives, one day at a time. Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story leaves the audience with a sense of hope and highlights the strength of the human spirit.

The documentary features stunning cinematography, empathetic storytelling, and an excellent score that ties the whole narrative together. The film is a powerful reminder of how natural disasters can impact any community, but also an inspiring tribute to the resilience and power of human communities across the world.

In conclusion, Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story is a powerful documentary that will leave an indelible mark on its audience. The film is a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can find the light when we come together, support each other, and never give up hope. The documentary celebrates the strength and courage of ordinary people and their ability to rise from the ashes of adversity, stronger and more united than before.

Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story is a 2020 documentary. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.