Ron Howard Partners with Nat Geo on California Wildfire Doc

National Geographic Documentary Films is teaming up with director Ron Howard and Imagine Documentaries on a new feature project about the recent spate of deadly wildfires in California.

Tentatively titled Rebuilding Paradise, the film will follow the community of Paradise, California, as it attempts to rebuild after the devastation of the 2018 wildfires in which 14,000 homes were demolished and 50,000 people were displaced in the town. Through the community, Rebuilding Paradise will also take a microcosmic look at the growing global repercussions of climate change. Brian Grazer is producing.

“The people of Paradise lost everything in the blink of an eye,” said Howard. “The way in which the citizens are coming together to rebuild is beautiful and hopeful—but no one should have to live through this. Theirs is a cautionary tale about the impending effects of climate change and what it takes to restore the communities ravaged by it. Paradise could be any of us.”

Carolyn Bernstein, executive VP of global scripted content and documentary films for National Geographic, said: “National Geographic is known for turning the lens towards timely, provocative and globally relevant stories. As we continue to cement our place in the doc films world, we’re committed to partnering with filmmakers like Ron Howard who are pushing the limits of cinematic storytelling.”