About Rebuilding Paradise

"Rebuilding Paradise", released in 2020, is a powerful documentary from Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard. The film follows the residents of Paradise, California, as they work to rebuild their community after the devastating 2018 Camp Fire, which was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history.

Making / Production

"Rebuilding Paradise" was produced by Imagine Documentaries in association with National Geographic. Director Ron Howard and his crew spent a year in Paradise following the residents as they dealt with the aftermath of the fire and worked to rebuild their lives and their town.

Actors

• Michele John: She is a school superintendent who worked tirelessly to ensure that students could continue their education despite the destruction of their schools.
• Woody Culleton: As the former mayor of Paradise, he played a crucial role in the town's efforts to rebuild.
• Steve "Woody" Culleton: The former mayor of Paradise, he provides an intimate look at the hardships and resilience of the Paradise community.
• Brandon Burke: A police officer who helped with evacuation during the fire, his bravery and dedication are highlighted.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Camp Fire burned over 153,000 acres, destroyed almost 19,000 structures, and resulted in 85 deaths.
• The title 'Rebuilding Paradise' does not only refer to the physical reconstruction of the town, but also the mental and emotional healing of its residents.
• Before filming, director Ron Howard and his crew interviewed more than 100 residents of Paradise.

Awards

While "Rebuilding Paradise" did not win any major awards, it was nominated for both the Critics' Choice Documentary Award for Best Documentary Feature and the Hollywood Critics Association Documentary Award.

Quotes

• "This is not the new normal, this is the new abnormal." – California Governor Jerry Brown
• "Paradise was, and will always be, a beautiful place." – Paradise resident
• "We don’t just live in Paradise, we are Paradise." – Paradise resident

Music and Soundtrack

• The compelling and emotionally charged soundtrack that accompanies "Rebuilding Paradise" was composed by Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
• Soundtrack includes songs like "Homesick" by The Rodeo and "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor.