Rebuilding Paradise

About Rebuilding Paradise

"Rebuilding Paradise" is a 2020 American documentary film directed by Ron Howard. The film narrates the aftermath of the 2018 Camp Fire that decimated the town of Paradise, California. The plot primarily centers around the community's resilience and efforts to rebuild their lives and the town after the disaster. Through personal interviews, raw footage, and comprehensive storytelling, the film portrays the trauma, loss, and hope of the Paradise residents.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Imagine Documentaries and National Geographic Documentary Films. Howard and his team spent a year with Paradise residents, documenting their efforts to rebuild. The film combines scenes of daily life, community meetings, school reopening, and other events that represented the resilience and challenges of the community.

Actors

• Matt Gates: A Paradise police officer who risked his life during the catastrophic fire. His genuine portrayal and personal accounts add a touch of authenticity to the documentary.
• Michelle John: The Superintendent of Paradise Unified School District. Her efforts to reopen the schools and her commitment to the community are depicted profoundly in the film.
• Steve "Woody" Culleton: Former mayor of Paradise and a resident who is committed to rebuilding his home and life in Paradise.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The director, Ron Howard, has family ties to Paradise, making the documentary a deeply personal project.
• The film's production began less than a month after the Camp Fire started.
• This documentary is one of several films by Ron Howard that deals with a real life disaster or crisis.

Awards

The film has been recognized in numerous film festivals. It was an official selection at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• "It's not the buildings, it's the people." - Steve "Woody" Culleton
• "We're a strong, tight-knit community. We will try our best to hold together." - Michelle John.
• "We are not only survivors, we are fighters." - Matt Gates.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's poignantly fitting score was composed by Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
• The music compliments the narrative of the film, heightening the emotional journey of the Paradise residents.