Embers of Awakening: From Firestorms to Climate Healing

Logline: Stories from 2017 Tubbs fire survivors situate the global climate crisis in the microcosm of Sonoma County, California and ask how can we recover from trauma while providing insights to prevent the further demise of our communities and planet.

Brief Synopsis: Sixty mile an hour winds, tinder dry hills, firestorm tornadoes that melted cars while traveling the length of a football field every three seconds—in October 2017, Sonoma County lost 22 lives, 5200 structures, and awoke to the deep pain of climate change. Embers of Awakening blends the powerful personal stories of fire survivors with interviews from scientists, activists, politicians, and other community members to inspire each viewer toward positive engagement and action.

Sonoma County experienced nearly identical fires 53 years apart but the results were vastly different. We ask questions: What happened during those years that generated such a devastating fire? What could have been done differently? What is the role of climate change? What can each of us do?

Featured are interviews of scientists, politicians, theologians, psychologists, physicians, business people, climate activists, firefighters, people who lost their homes, and others. Visual footage helps explain the story: the effects of a firestorm, rebuilding, solar panels, electrification options, geysers generating electric power, controlled burns, as well as community members and organizations partnering to resolve issues.

Scientists clearly state that the window of opportunity to make lasting change shrinks daily. We ask these core questions: How can we awaken one another quickly enough and what can each person do to make a difference? We want viewers to leave with active hope--reflecting on the science and stories shared and considering what they can personally do to contribute to the greatest existential challenge our planet has faced.