Fireline

An incarcerated wildland firefighter faces a massive challenge as he tries to communicate with his daughter while battling a wildfire.

Otto (Soto) is an inmate in a prison in the Arroyo Valley. Wildfires are threatening the surrounding area and he participates in the Conservation Camp Programme, which is a programme that trains prisoners to become firefighters as a means of rehabilitation. Otto has a young daughter, today is her birthday and he is very eager to phone her. However, his attempts to do so are disrupted when he and the rest of the team of aspiring firefighters are sent to the countryside in order to help combat a fire.

This short adventure drama acknowledges the significance of incarcerated wildland firefighters, primarily through the character of Otto. Although he committed a crime, he clearly intends to turn his life around. That is evident by his decision to become a firefighter and do good and by the fact that he cares deeply for his daughter, who he desperately wants to talk to. It is strongly indicated that learning how to be a firefighter has mabe him a better person as when he arrives at the valley where the fire is, he does his duty with determination even after he has been informed that his request for parole has been denied. His fellow inmates show equal bravery and selflessness, making it clear that the programme works in terms of rehabilitation.

Otto makes an intriguing protagonist. Although he is a convict, viewers will most likely root for him. He is a caring parent, a religious person and a dedicated firefighter. He clearly wants to leave his past behind him and focus on being a good father to his child and make a contribution to the world as a firefighter.

The production value is quite impressive and is at the same level as Hollywood films. The creativity with the special effects effectively places the viewer in the middle of a huge fire devouring nature, with smoke and fire surrounding the firefighters.There is complete chaos and the scenes are supported by Ming Jue Hu's cinematography and made more tense with Kunda Yu's dynamic score.

This is a story about bravery, danger, survival and parenthood. Incarcerated wildlife firefighters are the core of this film, which vividly shows what they are capable of and strongly suggests that programmes like the Conservation Camp Programme can give offenders a second chance in life, giving them the opportunity to turn their life around and make great contributions to the world.