“The West Is Burning” examines the history of forest management and social conflict that led to the current conditions, causing longer fire seasons and unprecedented destruction. In the last 20 years, wildfires have already burned an area the size of California and Florida combined.
If nothing is done we’re likely to see a steady increase in wildfire impact across these shared landscapes. The film emphasizes the need to act now to generate positive change in our forests, watersheds and communities.
Six real life perspectives drive the films’ narrative to help raise awareness about the conditions of forests in the western U.S. Their stories demonstrate the need to embrace a new era of forest stewardship, and the unique partnerships that are being built across community-based organizations, government entities, and private and non-governmental organizations.
These thought leaders highlight the need for a unified response to climate change, land use, and forest restoration, and emphasize the importance of community-based solutions to these challenges.
Additional Features:
“The West Is Burning” offers the public an interactive way to experience the film. We have partnered with Filmstacker, a video platform for collaborative storytelling, as a way for people to create short films. Displayed right on the film’s website, Filmstacker invites the public to become filmmakers. Here they can explore special content in the documentary and make short films together that they can share on social media to further the conversation.
An interactive map allows viewers to tour the western U.S., learning how wildfires are impacting communities and changing lives by watching short films based on locations on the map. A series of virtual community gatherings will also be offered to supplement face-to-face conversations about the film. For more information and to join the conversation, visit westisburning.org/join-us.
"The West Is Burning" is on Facebook.
Credits:
Produced by Landmark Stories at The University of Arizona by filmmakers Cody Sheehy and Galen McCaw, in association with Wallowa Resources. Co-producer: Nils D. Christoffersen. Associate Producers: Larz Stewart and Galen McCaw. Executive Producer: Doug McDaniel. Editor: Galen McCaw. Cinematography and After Effects: Cody Sheehy. Fire Chaser: Tim Walton. Landmark Stories, General Manager: Matt Rahr. Post Sound and Color Correction: Galen McCaw. Spatial Data Analyst: Jatta Sheehy, TerraSystems Southwest. Imagery provided by Google Earth Studio.
