A character-driven documentary with dramatic landscapes, intense conditions and far-out stories — akin to astronauts and lighthouse keepers.
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For more than a century, lookouts have been the dedicated “eyes in the sky”, a critical first-line of defense. In this documentary, the cast of lookouts remind us that climate change and technology are encroaching on all our lives and livelihoods. Today, despite the unprecedented number of wildfires, there are only four Canadian provinces that continue to employ human radar. How can they compete with fleets of drones, satellites and cell phones?
The best way to stop a fire is to spot it early… Lookouts are still critical anchors in our fire safety networks. When lightning strikes, they can flag a wisp of smoke 60 miles away and interpret its intensity in shades of grey, ahead of infrared imagery. Within minutes, they can radio other responders to mobilize their planes, helicopters and equipment before forests become matchsticks that devastate communities.
Beyond the action, gazing out from their towers also grants the lookouts telling moments of introspection. In our hyper-connected, multi-tasking world, Fire Tower invites us to contemplate how solitude can inspire a different kind of connection with nature, community and our own creativity.
"Community screenings offer a space for stories to unfold and voices to be heard. Like fire tower lookouts, they remind us that even in isolation, the role of the individual remains crucial—whether in wildfire protection or in the act of sharing a story."
— TOVA KRENZMAN
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MEET THE LOOKOUTS
DIANNE
At 70 years old, Dianne has completed her 16th year as a lookout. She is down to earth and sweet but has an edge and “says it like it is”. “We only know one another on radios and the voices…and some people are actually scared of me… but to me it’s kind of funny, and I like it!” She is incredibly capable using power tools to fix everything including her riding lawn mower.
KIM
Kim is an artistic woman in her late 30’s. She speaks about the difficulties of finding love in the tower and about the connection felt with nature from the hours spent observing the forest and wildlife 100ft above the fire tower. “We had a huge storm cell that threw down a bunch of lighting….and tower people caught it!”
BRYAN
Bryan is quirky, smart, funny and talented. He writes, plays violin, gardens and is full of stories from his 18 years at the towers. He identifies as part of the LGBQT community. “Things that are exciting about the lookout…THE TOWER! How cool alone is the tower…i think my inner child is just so joyous…”
TROY
Troy loves his tower. He writes “bad poetry” as he puts it, studies portuguese as he spends his off time in Brazil. He is strong and muscular which makes his poems and intimate stories about his insect friends in the tower all the more amusing. “Yah i have a special insect, it’s Bruno the black fly, he comes and visits in the afternoon, sits on my lap and I pet his wings, it’s a match made in heaven”
“I had nothing but the utmost respect for the whole entire prevention crew. You realize how small and helpless you are in the face of Mother Nature.”
—TROY | FIRE LOOKOUT, 18 YEARS, ALBERTA
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TOVA KRENTZMAN
DIRECTOR | WRITER | PRODUCER
Merchant seaman, geologist, medic, photographer, chef…
Tova’s career trajectory towards filmmaking is as layered and experiential as the stories she likes to tell. Always curious and passionate to see, do and learn, she is inspired by connecting with eclectic people, places and ideas.
Her films frame original, character-driven narratives with perceptive imagery to reflect nuanced relationships between communities, cultures and environments — like she, herself, seeks.
In 2022, Tova pitched Fire Tower at the Available Light Film Festival (ALFF) where she was awarded the jury-selected prize for production funding. She incorporated Underwire Films to make the documentary.
In 2021, Tova’s short film Harashama earned her the Emerging Artist jury prize at the Dawson City International Film Festival’s 48 Hour Film Challenge.
Tova has lived in New York City, Redwood forests and is currently stationed in the Yukon, Canada.
LET’S CONNECT
FIRE TOWERis ready for festivals, sales and licensing opportunities.
TOVA is keen to partner with Canadian and international filmmakers on scripted and documentary projects as a producer, director and writer
