Lessons in Fire
Palava maaDetails
In the scorched hills of Portugal, fire is spoken of as “him”—a force of both beauty and destruction, as volatile as the wind. Into this world steps a Finnish wildfire team, strangers to such infernos. With rare access inside the ranks of Portugal’s veteran crews, the film follows the Finns as they learn instincts no manual can teach. An immersive visual style brings us breathtakingly close to the frontline, where smoke and flame collide with moments of quiet care. Lessons in Fire is a story of mentorship and humility, where trust is forged in the glow of a changing climate.
DIRECTOR: John Webster
SCRIPT: John Webster
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jarkko T. Laine
EDITING: Niels Pagh Andersen, John Webster
SOUND: Pietari Koskinen
PRODUCERS: Marko Talli, Eveliina Kantola
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Yellow Film & TV
Director

John Webster
Born in Finland of British parents, John Webster has been directing and producing documentary films since the early 1990s. Typical to his films are human-interest stories with strong central characters whose lives are followed over a long period of time. Over the years, his films have been broadcast to a wide international audience, screened and awarded at festivals, and two of his films have received the Finnish Jussi film award.
Contact

Suvi Railo
Advisor / International Promotion and Cultural Export of Documentary Films
• festival distribution strategy for documentary films
• travel, project and material and marketing support for documentary films
+358 9 6220 3021