Incandescence @Santa Barbara Film Festival 2025

In FERNTV’s interview with directors Velcrow Ripper and Nova Ami, the duo discusses their latest documentary, Incandescence, which will premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Supported by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), the film explores the devastating impact of wildfires while taking a unique, non-human perspective. Ripper and Ami share their inspiration for making Incandescence, emphasizing their desire to highlight the experiences of wildlife caught in these climate disasters. They also reflect on the visual and emotional storytelling techniques they used to immerse audiences in the natural world’s struggles and resilience.

FERNTV also inquires about their preparation for the post-screening Q&A, where the directors anticipate engaging in discussions about the broader ecological implications of wildfires and the urgency of climate action. They emphasize the importance of fostering an emotional connection between viewers and the animals featured in the film, hoping this perspective will spark deeper awareness and empathy. Ripper and Ami acknowledge the challenges of shifting the narrative away from a solely human viewpoint, but they believe this approach allows audiences to see wildfires—and climate change—from a fresh and powerful perspective.