The recent release of “Big Rock Burning,” a poignant documentary executive produced by Mark Hamill and Ricki Lake, offers an intimate look into the harrowing aftermath of the Palisades Fire and the resilience of a community grappling with unforeseen devastation, from raging infernos to destructive landslides.
The year 2025 has already seen its share of natural disasters, with California battling multiple destructive wildfires. Among these, the Palisades Fire stands out not only for its extensive damage but also for the subsequent, equally devastating, events it triggered. Now, a new documentary titled “Big Rock Burning” is shedding light on the untold stories of resilience and the critical need for change in the face of such catastrophes, championed by notable figures like executive producers Mark Hamill and Ricki Lake.
The Palisades Fire: A California Tragedy
The Palisades Fire erupted on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, quickly becoming a major incident in Los Angeles County. By January 16, it had consumed more than 23,700 acres, with firefighters battling tirelessly to achieve 39% containment, according to the Los Angeles Times. Simultaneously, the Eaton Fire also ignited on January 7, burning over 14,000 acres on the other side of L.A. County, reaching 65% containment.
Wildfires are a recurring threat in California, but the aftermath of the Palisades Fire brought a unique and tragic twist to some residents.
From Fire to Flood: The Devastating Landslide
Just days after the initial blaze, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, a home in Pacific Palisades that had miraculously survived the flames was then split in half by a massive landslide. The single-family residence, located on the 17000 block of Castellammare Drive, was catastrophically damaged by water runoff from the ongoing firefighting efforts.
Investigations by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) revealed that a home located just above the affected property had burned to the ground, triggering the mudslide. This collapse also damaged LADWP’s water service line, burying meters and curb valves, leading to increased water flow that exacerbated the land instability. Bryan Kirkwood, hired for security in the area, described the incident as “devastating,” a sentiment echoed by LADWP’s statement, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Officials, including Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella and LAFD Captain Erik Scott, emphasized the extreme fragility of the burned soil, warning of continued mud and debris flow hazards even without rain. They confirmed ongoing efforts to monitor properties and develop plans to mitigate future damage, stating that “the infrastructure under thousands of homes have been compromised.”
“Big Rock Burning”: A Community’s Story Unfolds
Amidst this backdrop of destruction and recovery, the documentary “Big Rock Burning” emerges as a powerful testament to human resilience. Released directly to Vimeo on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the 30-minute film was directed by David Goldblum, a resident of Big Rock who personally lost his home in the fires. This deeply personal connection imbues the documentary with an authentic and raw perspective, telling the stories of other residents impacted by the Pacific Palisades blazes and documenting their arduous journey of rebuilding.
The filmmakers chose to bypass traditional distribution channels to ensure the film reached audiences as quickly as possible. Goldblum expressed, “People need closure, and we hope this release helps communities begin to heal. We are using this film to call for change,” according to Variety. The documentary’s release follows the reported arrest of suspected arsonist Jonathan Rinderknecht, who authorities have accused of intentionally setting the fire, a detail that adds another layer of complexity to the community’s healing process, as detailed by the Los Angeles Times.
Star Power for a Critical Cause
The film’s impact is significantly amplified by the involvement of its high-profile executive producers, including legendary actor Mark Hamill and multi-talented personality Ricki Lake. Their support helps bring broader attention to the crucial issues raised by the documentary. Other notable executive producers include Oscar-winning director Bryan Fogel, along with Marilou Hamill, Trevor Burgess, Judith Helfand, Oliver Blank, and Meadow Fund.
The production team also boasts significant talent, with Julie Parker Benello (“American Factory,” “Athlete A”) of Secret Sauce Media and James Costa (“The Dating Game,” “Welcome to Chechnya”) of Bird Street Productions producing alongside Goldblum.
Advocacy and Impact: Beyond the Screen
“Big Rock Burning” is more than just a recounting of events; it is a catalyst for action. The film has already premiered at Malibu City Hall and has been featured in a number of prestigious film festivals, including the Mill Valley Film Festival, Santa Fe International Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, and SCAD Savannah Film Festival. These screenings provide vital platforms for discussion and advocacy.
Director David Goldblum is scheduled to participate in a special session with the Council of Global Change at the United Nations Headquarters on October 22, utilizing the film as a powerful call to action. This session, which includes influential organizations like the World Bank and Malala Fund, will be broadcast live on United Nations Web TV, demonstrating the film’s global reach and potential impact. The filmmakers are also actively dedicated to advocating for legislative reform around land management at local and state levels, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
Furthermore, the documentary is committed to supporting those directly affected, with ten percent of all proceeds from its release benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu’s Disaster Recovery Services. This organization provides essential long-term, whole-person, trauma-informed care coordination and resources to the survivors of the Pacific Palisades fire.
A Lingering Threat: The Broader Wildfire Crisis
The story told in “Big Rock Burning” is a microcosm of a larger, ongoing crisis facing California and other vulnerable regions globally. The interplay of fire, water, and unstable land highlights the complex challenges communities face when confronted with climate change and environmental shifts. Documentaries like “Big Rock Burning” serve a vital role in raising awareness, fostering empathy, and galvanizing support for proactive measures and sustainable solutions.
