'Our world changed in a few hours. Disasters do not last for only one day in the lives of survivors. Everything looks different after that day. In fact everything is different and we are changed....' Margaretta K. Mitchell, author and photographer, has created a visual documentary of the Oakland, California firestorm disaster, its aftermath and recovery as a commemoration of the 20th anniversary. Through stunning fire footage and compelling still images of the devastated house-made-ruin, she draws us into the disaster and the renewal through fascinating images of the restoration. Woven throughout is the music of composer John Adams. What was a sad, consuming and difficult process ultimately became creative and fulfilling. This production is unique; it stands alone among stories of the 1991 firestorm.
—Anonymous