Fire, Resilience, and the Power of Change

Read Time:5 Minute, 20 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Incandescence
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024, 2025
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Nova Ami, Velcrow Ripper
Where To Watch: shown at the 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Fire has always been a force of destruction, but what if it’s also a force of creation? INCANDESCENCE doesn’t settle for the usual narrative about wildfires—it completely reframes the conversation. Directed by Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper, this visually mesmerizing and emotionally gripping documentary goes beyond the spectacle of burning landscapes to examine the full story: the devastation, the resilience, and the rebirth. Instead of spoon-feeding facts, the film immerses viewers in the experience, capturing the raw power of fire and the communities in its shadow.

At its core, INCANDESCENCE isn’t just about wildfires—it’s about how we understand and interact with them. Fire is often framed as nature’s villain, a relentless destroyer of homes and forests, but this film reveals a more complex reality. Some species rely on fire to thrive, using heat to trigger new growth or clear out old vegetation. The documentary challenges viewers to rethink fire as part of an essential cycle that has existed long before human intervention and has been thrown dangerously off balance by modern suppression tactics.

One of the film’s most compelling angles is its focus on Indigenous fire management, a practice that has been overlooked or outright ignored for far too long. Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers share how controlled burns were once used to maintain healthy ecosystems, reducing the risk of catastrophic mega-fires. The stark contrast between this ancient wisdom and modern fire suppression techniques and the documentary makes a strong case for integrating traditional methods into contemporary environmental strategies. It’s a refreshing shift from the usual doom-and-gloom approach, offering real solutions instead of just presenting problems.

Another standout element is the film’s approach to sound design. Instead of relying on a dramatic musical score to force emotion, INCANDESCENCE lets nature speak for itself. The crackling of burning wood, the eerie silence after the flames subside, and the rhythmic sounds of regrowth create an auditory experience that feels authentic and immersive. Without a narrator guiding the audience, the film trusts its subjects to tell their own stories, making the experience feel even more personal and immediate.

Visually, INCANDESCENCE is nothing short of stunning. Sweeping aerial shots showcase the breathtaking scale of wildfire destruction. At the same time, intimate close-ups highlight the resilience of nature, from charred landscapes giving way to new sprouts to animals navigating the aftermath of the fire. The cinematography plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s emotional impact, capturing the violence and beauty of fire in a way that feels almost otherworldly. Slow-motion sequences allow audiences to see the fire in exquisite detail, transforming it from a chaotic force into something that moves with intention.

Beyond the scientific and environmental aspects, the documentary never loses sight of the human element. It features firsthand accounts from those who have experienced wildfires up close—people who have lost everything, fought to rebuild, and continue to live with the constant threat of fire. These personal stories add emotional weight to the film, making it impossible to see wildfires as another disaster statistic. Yet, amid the devastation, there is also hope. Communities come together, learning from the past and adapting to a future where fire is no longer seen as an enemy but as a force that must be understood and managed.

While INCANDESCENCE presents powerful imagery and insight, it doesn’t just leave audiences with a sense of awe—it challenges them. The film highlights the failures of current wildfire management strategies and clarifies that ignoring Indigenous knowledge has only worsened the problem. It encourages a shift in mindset, pushing for policies that embrace fire as part of the natural order rather than something to be feared and suppressed at all costs.

This documentary is so effective because it never feels like a lecture. Instead, it invites audiences to experience wildfires from scientific, historical, and deeply personal perspectives. It raises questions rather than forcing conclusions, trusting viewers to engage with the material and draw their insights. That sets it apart from other documentaries on the subject; it doesn’t just present information—it transforms how we think about fire and our place in the natural world.

INCANDESCENCE is as visually striking as it is thought-provoking, offering a compelling blend of education, storytelling, and immersive filmmaking. It sparks a necessary conversation about climate change, adaptation, and the future of wildfire management. By the time the credits roll, it’s clear that this is more than just a documentary—it’s a call to action. Fire has shaped the world for millennia, and whether we fight it or work with it will determine the future. For those looking for an experience that is equally captivating and urgent, this documentary is essential viewing. It doesn’t just present a problem—it challenges audiences to rethink everything they thought they knew about fire. And in a world where wildfires are becoming unavoidable, that conversation couldn’t be more important.

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[photo courtesy of NATIONAL FILM BOARD OF CANADA (NFB)]

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