New Documentary "WILDLAND" Fundraiser for California Wildfire Victims

CALL TO ACTION:

 - FILMMAKERS DESIGNATE ON DEMAND SCREENING EVENTS AS FUNDRAISERS

TO HELP THOSE SUFFERING THE CATASTOPHIC CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES -

WHAT:  The new feature documentary “Wildland” takes an in-depth look at the vigorous training wildfire fighters must endure with actual footage shot in 6K from fires they have contained.  The men profiled in the film are currently battling the fires in California. This cinematic 77-minute film was produced by Finback Films, directed by Alex Jablonski and Kahlil Hudson (both certified wildland firefighters themselves), is being released by FilmRise as a Gathr “ON DEMAND” theatrical distributed film.  Gathr Theatrical-On-Demand^Ò technology allows anyone to present the film at a movie theater locally at a time and place of their choosing at no cost by simply using social media and personal connections to sell a pre-determined number of tickets.  Ticket buyers make tax deductible charitable donations during the online ticketing process at check-out.  The Theatrical On Demand platform provides an opportunity for audiences anywhere in the country to come together and help raise much needed monies to assist wildfire fighters, their families, and those who have been tragically impacted by the devastation of these fires by bringing people together in local movie theaters. The filmmakers of “Wildland” will also be donating a portion of their proceeds from sales to help firefighters.  

WHERE:  Anyone in the United States wishing to help  in this unique way can visit: www.wildlandmovie.com and find an existing screening and purchase a ticket or to sign up to become a “Wildland” “movie captain” at a theater in their area.  **All screenings will promote and benefit four charities including: The Wildland Firefighters Foundation; The American Red Cross; California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund and; California Fire Foundation.  In addition, anyone presenting a screening of “Wildland” can also make their screening a personal fundraising event for a charity, individual, organization of their choosing.  

WHEN:  Wildland” will be released in theaters starting in January, however the charitable donations begin immediately as tickets are reserved in advance and are on sale now for futures screening dates.  Donations will be distributed directly to the selected charities immediately following each screening from anyone pre-ordering tickets via the Gathr ticketing website.  Details on how to host a local screening, FAQs can be found on the film’s official website: www.wildlandfilm.com.   

ABOUT THE FILM

“WILDLAND” takes viewers inside the lives and experiences of a group of men who battle wildfires.  The television version of the documentary debuted nationally on PBS’ Independent Lens on October 29^th which launched a grassroots driven theatrical on demand campaign for the release of the 77-minute director’s cut of the film set to begin exhibition in movie theaters January 16, 2019.  Filmmakers Alex Jablonski and Kahlil Hudson’s cinematic theatrical cut, shot using 6K cameras, includes approximately 27 minutes of additional footage not seen in the PBS Independent Lens broadcast, enabling an immersive communal experience in the beautifully detailed format it was shot in for theater-goers.

** FILMMAKER ALEX JABLONSKI WHO WENT THROUGH THE VIGOROUS TRAINING AND FILMED THE FIRES FROM A WILDFIRE FIGHTER’S PERSPECTIVE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS **

**American Red Cross: This nonprofit has opened shelters across the state to help evacuees. They also have an online tool that people can use to register themselves as safe so loved ones can find them.

California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: For 15 years, the foundation has offered aid to those affected by wildfires. Grants have gone to rebuilding homes, providing financial and mental health assistance and helping those affected to get medical treatment.

California Fire Foundation: This organization is on the ground distributing financial assistance to people who have lost everything in the fires. Through its emergency assistance program, firefighters distribute pre-paid gift cards to help those who need to purchase necessities like food, medicine and clothing.

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation: Wildland Firefighter Foundation’s main focus is to help families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and to assist injured firefighters and their families.  We honor and acknowledge past, present, and future members of the wildland firefighting community, and partner with private and interagency organizations to bring recognition to wildland firefighters.