A Private War director to helm drama about deadly California wildfire

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

2018's Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history, not to mention one of the deadliest in the world, so it's only natural that the real-life tragedy will be mined for cinematic drama.

THR has reported that Matthew Heineman, the director behind A PRIVATE WAR, a biopic which starred Rosamund Pike as war journalist Marie Colvin, is set to write and direct PARADISE for Focus Features. The story, which is based on the true events of the 2018 Camp Fire, will center on Heather Roebuck, "a woman who gave birth via C-section minutes before her hospital became engulfed by flames. Powerless to move her legs due to the operation and separated from her newborn and fiancé, Roebuck embarked on a harrowing journey through the town with the aid of a group of EMTs and other emergency personnel. The group attempted to reunite Roebuck with her family and soon all found themselves fighting for their lives." Roebuck's Facebook post about her ordeal subsequently went viral. Focus Features optioned the life rights of Roebuck, her fiancé Bret Harles and their children, as well as the Butte Country emergency medical workers who took on the roles of firefighters once the group became trapped by the encroaching wildfire.

"For me, the film examines the human connections ordinary people make in extraordinary circumstances," said Heineman in a statement. "Heather’s journey of inner strength in the face of unparalleled and unexpected adversity is one of the most exciting and visceral stories that I’ve ever encountered."