“In the worst moments of humanity, the best of humanity always shows up.”
– Street interview, Jimmy Kimmel Live! * (1/13/25)
*Click here for the app Kimmel says “everyone in LA is watching.”
Dear FiReFilms Members and SNS Community,
We’re publishing this SNS FiReFilms Special Notice on the LA wildfires to all of you, unusually, due to the urgency of help needed for those affected by this massive environmental event now and in the future. Also unusually, we invite you to share widely this directory of best resources we’ve discovered over the past 2 weeks, from our own and contributed research and first-person accounts. We hope you find it useful if you have wildfire-related needs or are able to help out, whether as an individual or corporate donor, a private-sector investor, a volunteer, or a thought leader inspired to imagine a new business.
This directory may also be seen as a foundation of practical information for those of us who are secure today but may be vulnerable tomorrow. As we keep being reminded, unimaginable change can happen with next to no warning. We are all Angelenos.
If you find this Special Notice valuable and would like to be part of our global FiReFilms community, including having early access to important stories by documentary filmmakers, please consider showing your support by becoming a FiReFilms.org member today. All of our proceeds go to the storytellers. (Learn more at the end of this letter.)
Here, first up, are updates on how to stream our three most-relevant past “Marquee Film” selections, with links to the original announcements, where you’ll find personal comments by the directors, synopses, and director bios.
On the note of mutual aid:We’ve also removed the paywall for this week’s SNS Global Report, “The New Age of Climate Resilience,” by Berit Anderson. Anyone is welcome to forward. (To become an SNS member, sign up here.)
Thank you for showing up. – SLA
Resources compiled by Sally L. Anderson, FiReFilms Managing Director; with appreciation to Tom Corddry and family, Seattle and LA; Molly Peterson, Climate Journalist, Los Angeles; and Geralyn Dreyfous, FiReFilms Documentary Ambassador, Park City; for their invaluable contributions.
A Message from the CEO
This week, still in the midst of the devastating California fires, our family at theFiReFilms.org home office sends our positive thoughts and energy to all. Our deep sympathies to those who have lost their homes, offices, studios, equipment, and/or works-in-progress. This is especially hard just before the Sundance Film Festival — traditionally a time of celebration, especially for all the filmmakers who have been accepted into this prestigious, world-renowned annual event.
We are honored to have been able to present to our FiReFilms members over the past 20 years many prescient, impactful, and masterfully made films about climate change, including several that chronicle issues around wildfire (see updated links below); and we have introduced our members to some of our global climate-change heroes who have courageously addressed these tragedies and their lessons through film, often imperiling themselves in the process.
We applaud these heroes in film, science, and technology – and all of you who have reached out to help those in need during these difficult times. We look forward to bringing you new stories of hope, resilience, and success for a brighter future as we adapt, rebuild, and move forward together to face challenges with strength, determination, and love for humanity and all living beings during this short time on our beautiful planet.
– Sharon Anderson Morris
RELATED FIREFILMS-SUPPORTED DOCUMENTARIES
REBUILDING PARADISE (dir., Ron Howard)
Selected “Marquee Film,” 2020
Rebuilding Paradise follows the Paradise community one year after the 2018 Camp Fire, as they come together to recover what was lost.
- Streaming on Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play Movie
- Click here to go to original 2020FiReFilms mailer.
BRING YOUR OWN BRIGADE (dir., Lucy Walker)
Selected “Marquee Film,” 2021
An investigation into our landscape’s hidden fire stories and on-the-ground experiences of firefighters and residents struggling through deadly fires.
- Streaming on CBS News (free), Paramount +, Paramount + Roku
- Click here to go to original 2021 FF mailer.
THE HUMAN ELEMENT (dir., Matthew Testa; subject / photographer, James Balog)
Selected “Future in Review Featured Film” of the Year, 2018
With rare compassion and heart, THE HUMAN ELEMENT follows environmental photographer James Balog on his quest to highlight Americans on the front lines of climate change, inspiring us to re-evaluate our relationship with the natural world. – Amazon Prime
- Streaming on Philo (free), Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play Movie
- Website & Trailer: https://thehumanelementmovie.com/
All rated orgs below have 4 stars on Charity Navigator. Inclusion doesn’t imply our endorsement, and we encourage your vigilance. You might start with a search on the California AttorneyGeneral website.
GIVING
How to Help Sundance Filmmakers Affected by the Fires
“Our hearts go out to our Los Angeles filmmakers, many of whom have lost homes and will be arriving without winter clothing. Donations of boots, hats, gloves, and coats can be made to the Christian Center of ParkCity.”
FiReFilms Documentary Films Ambassador | Co-Founder, Impact Partners Fund | Founder & BoardChair, Utah Film Center
FiReFilms thanks Park City sports and apparel stores and other merchants for their generous donations to date. Our best wishes to the Sundance Film Festival for a successful, impactful event.
FOR BUSINESSES WANTING TO HELP:
Charity Navigator: If you are a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) charity with a three- or four-star Charity Navigator rating and are actively responding to these disasters, please complete and submit this survey. Our team will review your information for potential inclusion in our disaster response listings to help connect donors with trusted organizations making a difference.
L.A. Works connects volunteers with nonprofit organizations, including opportunities for nonprofits to become partners.
California Community Foundation: “This org is 110 years old. It’s LA-based, has a Wildfire Recovery Fund to address long-term recovery needs like temporary housing, rebuilding homes, mental health, and medical care. It also provides updated equipment to firefighters and helps rebuild emergency communications systems. It is accepting cash donations and helps companies match employees’ gifts as well.” – MP
GENERAL OPPORTUNITIES:
YMCA of Metropolitan LA “is absolutely killing it with their organization for volunteers, donations, etc. Never seen anything like it. Supporting them isn’t a mistake.” – MP
Los Angeles Regional FoodBank distributes food to individuals and families in need; come here to donate or to find food.
Mutual Aid Los AngelesNetwork (MALAN) provides a comprehensive guide detailing the donation needs and volunteer opportunities across the city. Includes regularly updated resources for those affected by the LA wildfires.
LA FiRe Department Foundation: is seeking monetary donations to equip firefighters battling the wildfires with items including emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks, and wildland brush tools.
GoFundMe landing page for all wildfire-related GFM fundraisers. Verified fundraisers for individuals and communities affected by the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, and Woodley fires; can also start a GoFundMe page from here. Donations are protected by GoFundMe for 1 year after donation.
World Central Kitchen: World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Our teams and partners have mobilized across the region to provide nourishing meals to people in need.
Direct Relief: California Fire Relief: In response to devastating wildfires in Southern California, Direct Relief is distributing medications, N95 respirators, and more to impacted communities. Coordinating with local and regional agencies and organizations, as well as health centers and free clinics in and around Los Angeles. Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.
Support displaced Black families of Altadena (GoFundMe; detailed spreadsheet)
Support displaced Latino families of Altadena (GoFundMe; detailed spreadsheet)
OpenTable (1/17/25):Through various initiatives, OpenTable is pledging to commit over $1 million in support of the industry’s relief efforts and will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with restaurants in this community that make our business possible. How you can help: If you would like to contribute funds that will go directly to restaurant operators to fuel their efforts, we have created a GoFundMe to help quickly disburse any additional contributions from the public.
Unified LA (Mayor Karen Bass): Regular updates on emergency response, wind conditions, recovery centers, guidance for renters, and more.
KQED/NPR: “How to Help People Affected by the LA Fires”: Includes where to donate, how to help, advice on balancing GoFundMe efforts with FEMA requirements, resources for LA friends and family, and how to spot a scam.
Baby2Baby has already distributed over 5 million emergency supplies for the most vulnerable children and families who have lost everything, including diapers, food, formula, water, clothing, blankets, and hygiene products. Our team is working around the clock with our 470 partner organizations in LA County spanning schools, homeless shelters, and resource centers, and we will continue to fulfill requests for essential items for the weeks and months to come. We are also providing basic essentials to evacuation centers, distributing at pop-ups across the city and hosting volunteer sessions at our Los Angeles headquarters to pack supplies for children during this traumatic time.
Wildland Firefighter Foundation: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation’s main focus is to help the families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and to assist injured firefighters and their families. We honor and acknowledge the past, present, and future members of the wildland firefighting community, and partner with private and interagency organizations to bring recognition to wildland firefighters.
Project Camp: “They’re popping up camps, multiple sites to help families impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. It is accepting monetary donations as well as volunteers to staff the camps. Impacted families can also find out how to sign up for a camp here.” – MP
Pasadena Community Foundation: Established the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund to support immediate and pressing needs arising from local wildfires.
Team Rubicon: Volunteers are working with community leaders on the response and assisting the greater LA community. “They had a scandal overseas a few years ago, but Team Rubicon USA is a veteran-run org that has been doing very well right now.” – MP
Billboard: How to Help Those Impacted by the L.A. Wildfires (with updates): A list of organizations providing relief for those impacted by the devastation, from families to first responders.
Charity Navigator: With a special section listing highly rated 501(c)(3) organizations that are providing immediate and long-term assistance to those impacted by the wildfires across Los Angeles County, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires.
The Red Cross of Los Angeles County: Disaster relief services, including shelter, food, and emotional support.
Airbnb.org is partnering with 211 LA to provide free emergency housing to people who’ve been displaced and first responders. If you or someone you know needs support, fill out 211 LA’s intake form. “We connect survivors and first responders with emergency housing. You can offer a place to stay for free or at a discount.”
RELIEF
AID TO VICTIMS
National Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA) provides 24/7 crisis counseling with trained counselors via call or text for individuals affected by traumatic events or disasters.
211 Los Angeles: A comprehensive helpline connecting residents to essential health and human services, including disaster preparedness and emergency response information.
YMCA of Metropolitan LA “is absolutely killing it with their organization for volunteers, donations, etc. Never seen anything like it. Supporting them isn’t a mistake.” – MP
LA County Recovers (updated daily) :
- Local Assistance & Disaster Recovery Centers
- LA County Wildfire Recovery Resources
- Preliminary maps show fire damage assessments; maps updated daily
- Eaton Fire Damage Map (Altadena, Sierra Madre & Pasadena)
- Palisades Fire Damage Map (Pacific Palisades & Malibu)
Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN) provides a comprehensive guide detailing the donation needs and volunteer opportunities across the city. Includes regularly updated resources for those affected by the LA wildfires.
World Central Kitchen: World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Our teams and partners have mobilized across the region to provide nourishing meals to people in need.
California Fire Foundation: Includes “Firefighters On Your Side” (with downloadable forms and graphics, emergency contact info form and more:“… multi-lingual, culturally relevant disaster preparedness safety messaging in both digital and print form. With a focus on providing resources to traditionally underserved communities, Firefighters On Your Side communicates critical preparedness tips and information in [multiple languages]. Materials are free to download and use. “There were multiple firefighters who lost homes, as far as I can see. The foundation is supporting both firefighters responding to the Los Angeles fires as well as people affected.” – MP
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Distributes food to individuals and families in need; come here to donate or to find food.
United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Wildfire Response Fund: With this fund, we are drawing upon our experience from past wildfires to address urgent, ongoing needs, which include support for low-income individuals whose livelihood has been disrupted, people experiencing homelessness and those who provide services to support them, and disruptions to community organizations and small businesses.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles / ReBUILD LA: Our mission is to build homes and communities so everyone has a place to live with dignity. In times of disaster, it’s more important than ever to stand together and help those who need us most. Habitat LA’s efficient and transparent use of donations means that every dollar you contribute goes directly to helping the people of Los Angeles rebuild their homes and lives after this tragic event.
EIF: SoCal Fire Fund provides immediate and long-term support for community-centered recovery initiatives that aid students, school employees, and families impacted by the January 2025 fires. The Fund is designed to provide equitable recovery through flexible funding and targeted support for vulnerable communities.
Direct Relief: California Fire Relief: In response to devastating wildfires in Southern California, Direct Relief is distributing medications, N95 respirators, and more to impacted communities. Coordinating with local and regional agencies and organizations, as well as health centers and free clinics in and around Los Angeles. Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.
Project Camp: “They’re popping up camps, multiple sites to help families impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. It is accepting monetary donations as well as volunteers to staff the camps. Impacted families can also find out how to sign up for a camp here.” – MP
KQED/NPR: “How to Help People Affected by the LA Fires”: Includes where to donate, how to help, advice on balancing GoFundMe efforts with FEMA requirements, resources for LA friends and family, and how to spot a scam.
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES News): Shelters Available for Communities Impacted by the Wildfires in Southern California: Cal OES is coordinating with the California Department of Social Services and local governments to ensure impacted communities have access to shelters and vital services.
The Red Cross of Los Angeles County: Disaster relief services, including shelter, food, and emotional support.
“Governor Newsom announces $20 million to support firestorm-impacted workers” (1/16/25): Announcing federal funding that will support those who are suffering job losses from the recent firestorms. Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government. Also includes fire maps, emergency alerts, and what to know before you return home. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in LA County can apply for disaster assistance:
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Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
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By calling 800-621-3362
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By using the FEMA smart phone application
Hope by the Truckload: From Utah with Love (Instagram): A community of folks from Utah dedicated to making a difference. Hosting donation drives for the LA wildfire victims. Partnered with YMCAs of LA.
WORK:
Inclusive Action has launched a GoFundMe to provide cash relief for outdoor workers impacted by wildfires. The emergency aid fund will provide $500 in cash assistance directly to “open-air workers,” i.e. people whose jobs require them to work outside, including street vendors, landscapers and recyclers.
“Governor Newsom announces $20 million to support firestorm-impacted workers” (1/16/25): Announcing federal funding that will support those who are suffering job losses from the recent firestorms. Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government. Also includes fire maps, emergency alerts, and what to know before you return home. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in LA County can apply for disaster assistance:
-
Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
-
By calling 800-621-3362
-
By using the FEMA smart phone application
The Black Music Action Coalition has announced an immediate relief fund with a focus on Black residents and small businesses in the L.A. area affected by the ongoing and devastating fires. The organization will disperse 100% of monies received to relief efforts with urgency as funds come in.
The National Day Laborer Organizing Network is supporting the Pasadena Community Job Center.
The Century Foundation: “Workers Affected by L.A.Fires Can Apply for Disaster Unemployment Benefits”: While some workers may qualify for traditional unemployment insurance (UI), many – such as independent contractors, self-employed workers, or people whose work or ability to report to work are affected by the disaster – may not. All workers who find themselves jobless due to a natural disaster – whether they qualify for UI or not – need to know that there is a federal program that may be able to help them out: Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), a program parallel to traditional unemployment insurance that pays a weekly benefit to workers who lose work due to a natural disaster but would not otherwise be eligible for regular UI.
Department of Economic Opportunity, County of Los Angeles: The LA Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) leads economic resiliency and recovery efforts for the County of Los Angeles. In an emergency, DEO and our partners are here to provide information, programs and services, and resources for workers and businesses.
AID TO FIREFIGHTERS & FIRST RESPONDERS
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation supports the LA Fire Department by funding essential equipment, training, and public outreach programs, enhancing the department’s emergency response capabilities.
California Fire Foundation: Includes “Firefighters On Your Side” (with downloadable forms and graphics, emergency contact info form and more:“… multi-lingual, culturally relevant disaster preparedness safety messaging in both digital and print form. With a focus on providing resources to traditionally underserved communities, Firefighters On Your Side communicates critical preparedness tips and information in Spanish, Vietnamese, Hmong, Mandarin, Cantonese, Mixteco and English. Materials are free to download and use – the California Fire Foundation encourages departments, partners, and community members to share the PSAs widely to help spread this information. “There were multiple firefighters who lost homes, as far as I can see. The foundation is supporting both firefighters responding to the Los Angeles fires as well as people affected.” – MP
Airbnb.org is partnering with 211 LA to provide free, emergency housing to people who’ve been displaced and first responders. If you or someone you know needs support, fill out 211 LA’s intake form. “We connect survivors and first responders with emergency housing. You can offer a place to stay for free or at a discount.”
World Central Kitchen: World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Our teams and partners have mobilized across the region to provide nourishing meals to people in need.
Billboard: How to Help Those Impacted by the L.A. Wildfires (with regular updates): Lists organizations providing relief for those impacted by the devastation, from families to first responders.
Wildland Firefighter Foundation: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation’s main focus is to help the families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and to assist injured firefighters and their families. We honor and acknowledge the past, present, and future members of the wildland firefighting community, and partner with private and interagency organizations to bring recognition to wildland firefighters.
AID TO ANIMALS & PET OWNERS
City of Los Angeles (frequent updates) – Includes:
- NEW: Help With Retrieving Pets From City Evacuation Areas – If you need help retrieving your pet from the evacuation area, call 213-270-8155. You will be prompted to answer key questions about your pet, its possible location and its needs. A care team made of LA Animal Services staff and LAPD officers will receive your request and provide assistance. You will be notified once the care team has visited the property.
- Contact info for Pets Found and Pets Lost
- Evacuation sites for Residents, Families with Small Animals, and Large Animals
Pasadena Now: “Many Ways to Help Animals Affected by LA Wildfires” (City News Service, 1/19/25): Links, phone numbers, email contacts, tips, on how to help everyone from dogs and cats to rabbits and horses.
GreaterGood.org: Conducting an EMERGENCY FLIGHT to transport pets that were in shelters when the California wildfires began to safety in Oregon. This will make room for incoming displaced pets. Donate now to help us fly them to safety, and your gift will be matched, up to$20,000.
Pasadena Humane: Eaton Fire animal assistance (1/11/25); boarding displaced pets and supplying those in need with pet food and medical care.
ASPCA: Disaster relief efforts underway in Southern California.
International Fund forAnimal Welfare / IFAW (Wildlife): Emergency support for people and animals impacted by Los Angeles wildfires: In this critical time,IFAW is providing an emergency grant to Pasadena Humane, which continues to be a vital lifeline for affected wildlife. Pasadena Humane is accepting injured wildlife, providing triage, and arranging for long-term care with partner organisations when necessary. To help address this crisis, IFAW is rushing emergency aid to our friends at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center (WWCC) in Huntington Beach, CA. With an anticipated influx of wildlife, WWCC urgently needs resources to provide care for these animals. IFAW’s emergency grant will help purchase food for a variety of wildlife species, as well as critical medical supplies to treat burns and other fire-related injuries.
Best Friends: From our lifesaving center in West LA, we’re working to save as many dogs and cats as we can in the face of this unprecedented disaster. How you can help.
Rocky Mountain K9 (Park City, UT): Funds and volunteers needed to assist with dogs rescued in LA (info@rockymtnk9.com).
MORE INFO, ADVICE & NEXT STEPS
For up-to-date information on the status of disasters:
- Alert. LA – LA County Emergency Alert System
- Los Angeles Fire Department – Latest fire updates
- CAL FIRE – Statewide fire conditions and updates
Watch Duty: The app Jimmy Kimmel says “everyone in LA is watching.” Recommended by multiple sources. Provides mapped alerts around evacuation notices, water quality, food services & rest areas for first responders and firefighters, and a lot more. You can also donate to Watch Duty here.
KQED/NPR: “How to Help People Affected by the LA Fires”: Includes where to donate, how to help, advice on balancing GoFundMe efforts with FEMA requirements, resources for LA friends and family, and how to spot a scam.
Los Angeles Times: Continuing wildfire information and tips, with paywall temporarily removed for urgent fire-related articles.
LA County Recovers: FAQs About Returning After Fire (with LA County–specific links; updated 1/16/25)
Live L.A. Fire Updates (daily; LA Times – paywall temporarily removed for critical wildfire data)
City of Los Angeles (frequent updates) – includes:
- City Housing Dept. Guidance for Renters
- Updates on containment of Palisades, Hurst, Eaton fires
- Evacuation sites for Residents, Families, Small Animals & Large Animals
- Updates on power outages, dust & ash advisory and water quality
PBS: “Wildfire smoke inside homes can cause lingering health risks. Here are some tips for cleaning and staying safe” (1/9/25)
Coalition for Clean Air: “The Fires: Air Quality, Public Health & What to Do Next” (videotaped webinar) – Lots of practical tips for self-protection in different scenarios. Transcript here (auto-transcribed & contains serious errors; only recommended as a second option).
Noahpinion: “Learn smart lessons from the L.A. fires, not stupid lessons” (1/9/25): Ignore the political propaganda. We live in a world with more fires now, and we need to prepare for it. (Insurance industry, forest management, preparedness; requires 7-day free trial to reach great details and graphs)
Building Heat Resilience: 1 (30-minute video; posted on American Resiliency’s YouTube channel): “Learn with me from Ash, a working architect with a professional interest in climate resilience and the built environment. I hope to have the second half of her teaching up early next week. In this first half, we are focusing on solutions that would help keep you cool in the event of a utility failure, with ideas that will work in arid climates and in humid climates…. Ash also offers some important tips about generator selection and use.”
“What Happens When a Plastic City Burns” (TheAtlantic , 1/15/25)
“What Happened When California Chose to Rebuild a Town Devastated by Wildfire” (New York Times Op-Ed, 11/4/23)
“Smoke and Fire Are Sickening L.A.’s Children” (Wall Street Journal, 1/17/25)
KEEP COOL: Fortifying British Columbia (Documentary, Water Bear, 30 m): In the aftermath of devastating wildfire seasons, a remarkable effort emerges to restore the scorched lands of British Columbia.This is a groundbreaking documentary project that showcases the intricate process of reforestation. From the resilient local communities to the dedicated tree planters, the film highlights the diverse group of decision-makers and laborers involved in planting a single tree. With collaboration between governments, industry, non-profits, and First Nation tribes, this complex endeavor not only protects old-growth forests but also brings hope for a greener future.
Breakthrough Energy: Breakthrough Energy’s aim is to inspire the world to develop and scale the critical solutions we need to reach net-zero emissions — so everyone can enjoy affordable, abundant clean energy.
AND… GOLDEN ORCHIDS TO:
Institute for Nonprofit News: Independent newsrooms reporting on the California wildfires may apply for fast-track grants from INN, with support from Google News Initiative.
“Global Organizations, Philanthropists Pledge $12 Million to Los Angeles Arts Community Devastated by Raging Wildfires” (Forbes, 1/27/25): Excerpt: Beginning Monday, January 20 [until Tuesday, February 18], artists and arts workers who have been impacted by the fires may apply for an emergency grant. The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund is among fundraising efforts in Los Angeles and across the nation, which include the artist-initiated Art World Fire Relief LA GoFundMe campaign, the Craft Emergency Relief Fund, the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to Support Music Professionals of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, the We Are Moving the Needle Microgrants: Wildfire Relief Fund, the Entertainment Community Fund, and the Motion Picture Television Fund.
– See Forbes’ list of billionaires and celebrities donating to LA wildfire relief.
FILM INDUSTRY & ARTS – NEWS & ASSISTANCE
“Documentary Community Reckons with Devastating Loss from LA Wildfires” (Deadline.com “Doc Talk” podcast, 1/14/25; 51 m): “In the spirit of bringing the documentary community together at such a difficult time, and to show our collective solidarity with all who have lost so much, we asked [Tracy Droz Tragos (Rebuilding Paradise) and] other leading filmmakers and pillars in documentary to join us for a conversation. In this episode, recorded on Saturday, we convene with Oscar-nominated director Smriti Mundhra, a lifelong Los Angeles-area resident who was forced to evacuate from Malibu Canyon; Lucy Walker, the L.A.-based Oscar-nominated filmmaker; and Tom White, the former longtime editor of Documentary magazine, himself a longtime L.A. resident.”
Los Angeles Museums Launch $12 M. Emergency Fund for Fire-Affected Artists (1/16/25): Los Angeles’ leading art institutions, including the J. Paul Getty Trust, LACMA, and the Hammer Museum, have launched a $12 million emergency fund to aid artists and cultural workers who have lost their homes, studios, or livelihoods to the wildfires still ravaging California. The L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, which is reportedly still growing, will be organized and administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation.
Filmmakers Offer Old Location Photos to Help Fire Victims – And Prove Insurance Claims (The Hollywood Reporter, 1/16/25)
“Global Organizations, Philanthropists Pledge $12 Million to Los Angeles Arts Community Devastated by Raging Wildfires” (Forbes, 1/27/25): Excerpt: Beginning Monday, January 20 [until Tuesday, February18], artists and arts workers who have been impacted by the fires may apply for an emergency grant. The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund is among fundraising efforts in Los Angeles and across the nation, which include the artist-initiated Art World Fire Relief LA GoFundMe campaign, the Craft Emergency Relief Fund, the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to Support Music Professionals of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, the We Are Moving the Needle Microgrants: Wildfire Relief Fund, the Entertainment Community Fund, and the Motion Picture Television Fund.
“Santa Barbara International Film Festival Announces Full Program, Will Partner with Direct Relief to Raise Funds for LA Wildfires” (Deadline.com, 1/17/25): The 12 days of the festival will be dedicated to the City of Angels, and we will put in place an initiative during it to raise funds for LA in partnership with Direct Relief.
FireAid benefit concert: Instagram, with updates (FireAidLA.org): Contributions made to FireAid 501(c)(3) in connection with the FireAid benefit concert and other direct donations will be distributed under the advisement of the Annenberg Foundation and will be distributed for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout California.
FIREFILMS & SNS MEMBER OUTREACH
If you’ve been affected by the LA wildfires, would like to privately help fellow affected members, or have new ideas seeking partners, please contact sallyedit@gmail.com and sam@stratnews.com.