Short Film Sheds Light on Devastating Wildfire in Phoenix, Oregon and Its Impact on Displaced Residents
February 15, 2023
Short Film Sheds Light on Devastating Wildfire in Phoenix, Oregon and Its Impact on Displaced Residents
Phoenix, Oregon - A new short film – The Way Back To Normal – is shedding light on the devastating wildfires that swept through Phoenix, Oregon in September, 2020 and the lasting impact on the community two years later. The film, produced by local filmmakers and in partnership with Unite Oregon, a non-profit organization that works to build a unified, equitable and just Oregon, takes a deep dive into the lives of people who were forced to evacuate their homes and are now struggling to rebuild their lives.
The film premiers on February 25th at the Climate Justice Conference at Southern Oregon University in Ashland.. It will be shown as part of the session entitled: Lessons on Equity from 2020: Fires & Climate Justice/Housing Justice Activism.
The Way Back To Normal highlights the courage and resilience of the Phoenix community as they come together to support one another and navigate the aftermath of the fire. It also sheds light on the ongoing struggles that many displaced residents face, such as limited access to housing, food and other basic necessities.
According to Unite Oregon, the wildfire was just one of the many recent natural disasters that have devastated communities across the state, exacerbating existing inequalities and leaving many residents with few resources to rebuild their lives. Through the film, Unite Oregon hopes to raise awareness about the need for greater support for communities affected by natural disasters, many times the result of climate change, as well as the importance of addressing systemic inequalities that make communities of color, low-income communities, and rural communities particularly vulnerable to these disasters.
"We are proud to partner with the local filmmakers to bring attention to the devastating impact of the Phoenix wildfire on the community," said Khan Le, executive director of Unite Oregon. "We hope this film will inspire action and support for those in need and bring attention to the ongoing struggles faced by many displaced residents in the aftermath of the disaster."
OREGON PREMIERE
The Way Back To Normal
Climate Justice Conference at Southern Oregon University
Session title: Lessons on Equity from 2020 Fires & Climate Justice/Housing Justice Activism
Feb 25, 2023 at 10:45am
at Union Room 323, 1118 Siskiyou Blvd Ashland, OR 97520
The film will also be screened at various film festivals across the state and will also be available for viewing online through Unite Oregon's website and social media channels.
For more information about Unite Oregon and its efforts to support communities impacted by natural disasters, please visit their website at UniteOregon.org
Contact: Hamza Bahri, hamza@uniteoregon.org
About Unite Oregon
Unite Oregon is a membership organization led by people of color, immigrants and refugees, rural communities, and people experiencing poverty. We work across Oregon to build a unified, intercultural movement for justice. Grounded in the belief that organizing people who are suffering oppression has the greatest potential to affect the root causes of economic, political, and social injustice, we involve our members in all aspects of program development and implementation.
Visit our website: UniteOregon.org. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Instagram.
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