Introduction to the Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire tore through the Altadena district in Los Angeles on January 7, leaving thousands of houses and buildings in ashes. Among the affected were the homes of award-winning filmmaker Ondi Timoner and her brother, producer David Timoner. Ondi was in Europe with her wife, composer Morgan Doctor, working on a film when the fire broke out.
Documenting the Aftermath
After teaming up with her brother and mother, Lisa, who was rescued from the fire by David, Ondi began to document the decimated community around her. Her new film, "All Walls Came Down," premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and has now opened at the Laemmle Glendale, about 10 miles southwest of Altadena. The short documentary has already sold out shows until Monday, with Timoner and the cast participating in Q&A sessions following the performances from Friday to Monday.
A Glimpse into the Documentary
A trailer for the documentary provides a first look at the film. The documentary follows Ondi as she returns to the ruins left by the Eaton Fire and finds her neighbors, many of whom lost their life’s work overnight and are now at risk of being displaced from the only place they have ever called home. The community comes together, led by community organizer Heavenly Hughes, to show solidarity and determination in the face of the fire.
A Personal Story of Resilience
The film is also a personal story about profound losses and the history of the resilient community of Altadena, which has never been more united as they strive to preserve their neighbors’ properties and the unique cultural fabric of their town. Ondi posted on Facebook, "The film is also a very personal story about profound losses and the history of our resilient community, which has never been united, because we strive to preserve the properties of our neighbors and the unique cultural structure of our city."
The Making of the Film
In an interview, Ondi found that making the film was both scary and encouraging. She stated, "It was definitely scary to return there [Altadena] to make this film, but it was also very encouraging. It was encouraging that we could come together as an artist and do something, even with all the terrible destruction in our world at the moment, all the senseless loss through the fires." The film explores the question of what happens next for the community and the affected individuals.
Confronting the Future
The trailer shows Ondi, her wife, and their neighbors examining the ruins of their homes and confronting the question of what happens next. The film tells a personal story of a community devastated by climate catastrophe and the remarkable resilience of Altadena as they come together in the face of adversity. "All Walls Came Down" is a testament to the strength and solidarity of the community, and a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles as climate refugees.
