Lighting the Way: Incandescence Explores Wildfires, Indigenous Wisdom, and Renewal

By Ben Hyatt

When wildfires rage, the world watches in awe and fear as the flames devour forests, homes, and lives. But what if fire could be more than a destructive force? What if it also held the power to regenerate, heal, and illuminate the path toward a more harmonious relationship with nature?

This is the profound question explored in Incandescence, the latest documentary by award-winning co-directors Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper. Premiering in the United States at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 13th, this feature-length documentary weaves together breathtaking visuals, intimate storytelling, and critical insights into one of the most pressing issues of our time.

I had the privilege of speaking with Nova and Velcrow about the making of Incandescence, their inspirations, and the urgent message behind the film.

A Complex Relationship with Fire

At its heart, Incandescence examines humanity's intricate relationship with fire. Filmed over several fire seasons in Canada’s Okanagan region—one of the country’s most fire-prone areas—the documentary explores fire's duality: destruction and renewal. Through the perspectives of first responders, Indigenous Elders, impacted communities, and even wildlife, the film reveals the many layers of this relationship.

“Fire is like a character in the film,” Velcrow shared. “Its voice is represented in the soundscape and its presence through the seasons. It’s an overwhelming force, but also one that has the power to regenerate and give life.”

The film highlights the devastation wrought by mega-fires exacerbated by climate change but also offers hope. Indigenous fire practices, rooted in thousands of years of tradition, show how controlled burns can revitalize soil, manage forests, and prevent catastrophic wildfires.

“Historically, Indigenous people have used fire as a tool to maintain ecological balance,” Nova explained. “But colonial suppression of these practices has left forests overgrown with fuel, creating tinderboxes that are ignited by increasingly severe droughts and winds.”

More Than Just One Cause

While poor forest management and the lack of prescribed burns play a role, Incandescence stresses that wildfires are caused by a complex interplay of factors. As Velcrow explained, pointing fingers at one cause oversimplifies the issue.

“There’s a hydroclimatic whiplash happening,” Velcrow said. “Excessive rains fuel the growth of underbrush, which then dries out during drought seasons, creating the perfect tinderbox for fires. Add to that the increasingly intense winds, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Climate change intensifies all of these conditions.”

This nuanced perspective is one of the reasons Nova and Velcrow were drawn to the subject of wildfires. “It’s a deeply layered issue,” Velcrow noted. “The solutions require collaboration, innovation, and a recognition of the many forces at play—both human and natural.”

A Timely Message

The relevance of Incandescence is underscored by the ongoing wildfire crisis in California, including recent fires in Los Angeles that have claimed lives and destroyed thousands of homes. Nova and Velcrow hope their film sparks critical conversations about wildfire prevention and climate action.

As Velcrow noted, “We spend billions fighting fires but only a fraction on prevention. This imbalance needs to change, and we need to listen to those who have been stewards of the land for millennia.”

Behind the Lens

Making Incandescence was no small feat. The duo collaborated with a talented cinematographer, Vince R. Vinson, and employed innovative techniques, including macro shots with a probe lens and high-speed footage captured with a Phantom camera.

They also worked closely with BC Wildfire Service and local firefighters, who provided access to the fire lines and contributed their own footage. The resulting imagery is both haunting and beautiful, from the flight paths of bees to the towering infernos consuming entire landscapes.

Sound design, a key element of the film, was crafted by Velcrow himself. Opting for a soundscape over a traditional musical score, he aimed to immerse viewers in the experience of fire. “The sound of fire is overwhelming,” he said. “It’s another dimension of its power, and we wanted to capture that.”

A Call to Action

As Nova and Velcrow prepare to bring Incandescence to Santa Barbara, they reflect on the film’s potential impact. “We’re thrilled to share this story with California audiences,” Nova said. “Santa Barbara holds a special place in our hearts. Our previous film, Metamorphosis, premiered here, and we love the festival’s ability to spark meaningful dialogue.”

Their advice to aspiring filmmakers? “Focus on what you’re passionate about. Ask why your story matters and what you can bring to the conversation. And most importantly, just start creating,” Velcrow emphasized.

Looking Ahead

With Incandescence, Nova and Velcrow have created a cinematic experience that is as much about hope and renewal as it is about the challenges of climate change. Through the voices of those who live with fire and the resilience of nature itself, the film offers a path forward—one where humanity works in harmony with the elements, rather than against them.

Catch Incandescence at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 13th and 14th, and join the conversation about our future, shaped by fire and resilience.