The documentary WHERE WE PLAYED: VOICES FROM THE FIRE, which explores children’s experiences during the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, will screen at the Indy Shorts Film Festival on July 25, 2026, as part of the “Spotlight: Children’s Resilience” block. The film, co-directed by Nat Wolff and Austin Cauldwell, features firsthand accounts from children who navigated the devastation of January 2025 wildfires, reflecting on loss, adaptation, and hope.
What Happened
The film premiered at LA’s Dances with Films and was produced by Mina Sundwall’s Zenosyne Media, with Eliza Paprin and Julia Pitch serving as cinematographer. It centers on children’s perspectives following the 2025 wildfires, which destroyed homes and disrupted communities. Directors Wolff and Cauldwell emphasized their intent to amplify children’s voices rather than frame them as passive victims. “We wanted to listen to them,” they said, noting the film captures “resilience, optimism, and humor” amid grief.
The screening at Indy Shorts, scheduled for 2:00 PM on July 25 at Indianapolis’ Living Room Theaters, is part of a festival that showcases short films under 40 minutes. The event, hosted by Heartland Film, Inc., includes Academy Award-qualifying categories, with winners potentially advancing to the Academy Awards.
Why It Matters
The film addresses a gap in disaster narratives by prioritizing children’s agency. According to critic Teri Kinne of the Hollywood Times, the documentary’s “restraint” allows children to share their stories without retraumatization. This approach contrasts with broader media coverage that often focuses on loss rather than resilience. The film’s focus on young voices aligns with its co-directors’ backgrounds: Wolff, known for his work on The Fault in Our Stars, and Cauldwell, a writer, director, actor, and acting teacher whose short film Idyll premiered in 2026.
The Indy Shorts Film Festival’s track record includes films that have earned Oscar nominations, with 39 programmed short films nominated in recent years. The event’s emphasis on short-form storytelling underscores its role in amplifying underrepresented perspectives, including those of children affected by natural disasters.
What May Happen Next
The film’s inclusion in an Academy Award-qualifying festival could elevate its visibility, potentially leading to broader distribution or awards consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the 2025 LA wildfires occur? The wildfires struck in January 2025, according to the source.
Who are the co-directors of the film? The film was co-directed by Nat Wolff and Austin Cauldwell.
Where will the film screen on July 25, 2026? The screening will take place at the Living Room Theaters, 745 East 9th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.
How might the film’s focus on children’s resilience influence future narratives about disaster recovery?
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