Nicolás Molina’s “Pirópolis” is set in Valparaiso, Chile, about the wildfires that have become recurrent and more and more frequent. Those of us living in the U.S.A. are so consumed with the news of the wildfires in the western part of the country, it is likely that many are not aware of what is happening in Chile. The resources are not the same by any means.
The residents gather to hear their voices heard about the dangers they face with the fires and yet, the government is not responsive to their pleas. There is footage of the masses in the street. If someone is not familiar with this country’s history and/or what the present protest in the streets is about, there is not enough to understand how long this has been an issue and how this led to people on the streets. There is likely a good reason for the filmmakers to have elected not to go in depth about the past, but as someone first learning about their long-term wildfire issues, it is more helpful.
The chief of the all-volunteer fire brigade, Captain Héctor Casacubertas, has arranged for the volunteer firefighters to train on controlling wildfires. Assistance has come from French instructors led by Alain Baptista. The firefighters have been predominantly male, and now they have female volunteers. The captain knows there must be adjustments to the work setting and he is shown providing the women with their own quarters to shower and sleep.
The wildfire season has grown more intense, fueled by climate change and eucalyptus plants. The fires then add to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and water scarcity, and eucalyptus trees also heighten the risk of landslides.
‘Pirópolis’ features multiple scenes of wildfires that can send chills throughout someone who has had experience living through these disasters, locally or abroad.
As with any other career or industry, the well-established firefighters look forward to their retirement from this volunteer work. The new and/or younger volunteers look forward to learning from them and what is at stake for the country, as the responsibilities are massive.
Pirópolis, the fourth film from the celebrated Chilean director Nicolás Molina (Gaucho Americano).
Aside from the World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival (NYC), it was screened at the Sheffield DocFest (UK). In Spanish with English subtitles.
Source: Tribeca, Compañía de Cine.
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