Angels Camp, CA…A blend of film screenings and expert panel discussions aims to spark community action to prevent catastrophic fires at The Calaveras Forest & Fire Film Festival & Forum Saturday, May 31, in the heart of California’s Gold Country.

“The film festival will raise awareness about the critical issues surrounding our forests, particularly our vulnerability to catastrophic wildfires and the importance of responsible forest management and community ignition resistance practices from home hardening to vegetation management,” said Martin Huberty, executive director of the Calaveras Visitors Bureau and Film Commission. “We’re bringing our community together to not only foster a deeper understanding of these vital topics but motivate us all to take greater and more urgent action to prevent megafires.”

Angela Avery, executive officer of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, a festival sponsor, said: “Wildfire is a statewide issue, but so many of the solutions start at the local level. Nearly all of the projects that the Sierra Nevada Conservancy supports are inspired by community volunteers, local fire safe councils, and local governments – people who are committed to improving the resilience of the forests that surround their homes, towns, and favorite wild places. We’re so proud to be supporting this event because it offers an opportunity for everyone to gain a better understanding of the risks we face and how we can work together to protect the health of the places we love.”

The event – Calaveras’ second annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival – will be from 12-5 p.m. May 31 at the Bret Harte Theater in Angels Camp. The Film festival is free, thanks to sponsors Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Calaveras Big Trees Association and the Calaveras Film Commission. Doors open at 11. –

The audience will see powerful films about wildfire that reveal how forest restoration with prescribed burns and thinning can enable firefighters to stop megafires, and how each of us in the “ember zone” can act to prevent them from incinerating our homes.

Obi Kaufmann, author of the best-selling California Field Atlas and “The State of Fire: Why California Burns,” will lead a panel discussion to discuss one of his truisms: “California burns because of decisions that people make” and explore “How do we live with fire?”

Other featured speakers include executive officer Angela Avery of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Bob Boughton, VP and member of the Board of Calaveras Big Trees Association.

Festival goers will meet acclaimed filmmakers such as Kevin White, director and narrator of “Wilder Than Wild: Fire, Forests & the Future”, a Dorrington homeowner, and Andy Robinson, CEO of Smith Robinson Films of LA, who produced “Guardians” for National Geographic, along with interviewee Alexis Bernal, UC Berkeley fire scientist and giant sequoia expert.

With food trucks out front at 10:30 a.m., theater doors open at 11 to festival goers to explore table displays by:

Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Calaveras Big Trees Association
California writer and artist Obi Kaufmann
Stanislaus National Forest
Columbia College Fire & Forestry Programs
Calaveras Office of Emergency Services, Calaveras Fire Safe Council and Firewise
The Red Cross
“We all understand the horrific devastation and heartbreak that catastrophic fire and the climate crisis bring – lost lives, homes, livelihoods, toxic air and water, and harsh economic demands,” said Huberty, also chair of the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors. “As a Calaveras Supervisor, I look forward to our community coming together to learn what every one of us can do to protect ourselves and each other from the wrath of megafires.”

More than $3,000 in giveaways to festival goers from local businesses include $1500 worth of home hardening consulting, products and installation, plus $1,000 for tree work and $500 for lot cleanup work — and a pole saw and chainsaw. A free night’s lodging and dinner for two at Bear Valley Ski Resort Lodge and an OARS American River rafting trip for two will be given away. And a Country Corner fruit pie every month for a year – and more!

For more information go to www.forestfirefilm.com or www.gocalaveras.com

Business donors of the giveaways include:

Wildfire Safety Solutions of Avery
New Cal Metals of Loomis
Ace Hardware of Arnold
Calaveras Lumber of Angels Camp
Spence Ranch Feed & Supply of Angels Camp
Tractor Supply of Angels Camp
A1 Sharpening, Tractor & Small Engine of San Andreas
Calaveras Timber Operations of Arnold
Nate’s Tree Service of Sonora
Galvan Tree Service of Avery
Moody Ridge Wines of Murphys
OARS Whitewater Rafting of Angels Camp
Bear Valley Ski Resort

National partners of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival are: Earthjustice, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, Sierra Nevada, Nia Impact Capital, OARS Whitewater Rafting and American Rivers.

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