Andrew Burke (Director/Editor), Sarah Jo McDowell (Story) | 2024 | 6 min.
2026 Official Selection
This is the story of Oroville, CA residents who took action and connected their neighborhood like never before. Their journey began at a grazing workshop hosted by the Butte County Fire Safe Council. Newly motivated, Paul and Lynda Converse connected with Sarah Jo McDowell, a local goat grazer on a mission to spread joy. Soon after, wildfire struck and their combined stories turned deeply personal.
Andrew Burke made a career in documentary film for over 15 years. Highlights include ocean and land conservation film work for PBS Nature and Nat Geo-- several of which have previously screened at Wild and Scenic. 'In The Eye of the Whale', a film he shot and edited, was nominated for the WILDSCREEN Golden Panda Award (aka: the Green OSCAR). After losing his home and creative studio in the Camp Fire, he turned his focus to projects around wildfire safety and resilient design.
Sarah Jo McDowell is a mother, land steward and certified 'goat gal'. Her background in caring for people and the environment- as well as being affected by the Bear Fire- led her to dive into beneficial grazing as a better way to care for the land. She formed a travelling herd of 30+ goats, and along the way, changed hearts and minds... four legs at a time.
