Give as a gift
This film block centers on people who have chosen to take responsibility for vulnerable lives, often in the face of loss, risk, or uncertainty. Across fire circles, forests, wetlands, wildlife hospitals, and mountain landscapes, these films document acts of protection rooted in devotion rather than spectacle.
Wildlife rehabilitators fight to continue their work after displacement, conservationists dedicate their lives to endangered species, scientists and community members advocate for overlooked animals, and cultural leaders preserve knowledge essential to coexistence with the natural world. Together, the films reveal protection not as a single act, but as an ongoing commitment shaped by belief and the willingness to act.
In an intimate fire gathering, on sacred land along the coast of California, our short film invites viewers to reconnect with Grandpa Fire as a source of wisdom, rebirth, and illumination.
For as individual beings and as a global citizenry, we are literally and figuratively fighting for life on a burning planet. In the face of the pains of the world, we actively dull our senses with busy-ness; concurrently terrified of fire and also, yearning for the flame of life to burn more brightly within us.
As Indigenous and ancient-ways leaders guide us through the journey of this film, we witness the dance of the flames as they call upon us to listen, and to rekindle the light within, together. So that with the fire all around us, rather than give in to fear, we can, as one common humanity, say yes, yes, yes, joyfully and collectively, to life. Fire reminds us to feel the full range of emotions and the power of the wisdom fire burning within. To feel in love with life — and the gift of being alive.
- Year2025
- Runtime1:30
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- GenreEnvironmental, Education, Human Interest, Science, Art and Culture
- DirectorKimberly Danek Pinkson
- ScreenwriterAndrew Smyth, Kimberly Danek Pinkson
- ProducerNicole MacNaughton, Andrew Smyth, Kimberly Danek Pinkson
- CastArt Cisneros, Eléna Rios, Dr. Tom "tomás" Pinkson
- EditorBrian Szymanski
This film block centers on people who have chosen to take responsibility for vulnerable lives, often in the face of loss, risk, or uncertainty. Across fire circles, forests, wetlands, wildlife hospitals, and mountain landscapes, these films document acts of protection rooted in devotion rather than spectacle.
Wildlife rehabilitators fight to continue their work after displacement, conservationists dedicate their lives to endangered species, scientists and community members advocate for overlooked animals, and cultural leaders preserve knowledge essential to coexistence with the natural world. Together, the films reveal protection not as a single act, but as an ongoing commitment shaped by belief and the willingness to act.
In an intimate fire gathering, on sacred land along the coast of California, our short film invites viewers to reconnect with Grandpa Fire as a source of wisdom, rebirth, and illumination.
For as individual beings and as a global citizenry, we are literally and figuratively fighting for life on a burning planet. In the face of the pains of the world, we actively dull our senses with busy-ness; concurrently terrified of fire and also, yearning for the flame of life to burn more brightly within us.
As Indigenous and ancient-ways leaders guide us through the journey of this film, we witness the dance of the flames as they call upon us to listen, and to rekindle the light within, together. So that with the fire all around us, rather than give in to fear, we can, as one common humanity, say yes, yes, yes, joyfully and collectively, to life. Fire reminds us to feel the full range of emotions and the power of the wisdom fire burning within. To feel in love with life — and the gift of being alive.
- Year2025
- Runtime1:30
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- GenreEnvironmental, Education, Human Interest, Science, Art and Culture
- DirectorKimberly Danek Pinkson
- ScreenwriterAndrew Smyth, Kimberly Danek Pinkson
- ProducerNicole MacNaughton, Andrew Smyth, Kimberly Danek Pinkson
- CastArt Cisneros, Eléna Rios, Dr. Tom "tomás" Pinkson
- EditorBrian Szymanski