Ondi Timoner's Documentary Chronicles Community Resilience After Eaton Fire

On January 7, 2025, veteran documentary filmmaker Ondi Timoner received devastating news while working on a film in Budapest: her home in Altadena, California, had been destroyed in the Eaton Fire. Timoner, known for her works such as “DIG!” and “We Live in Public,” lost all her possessions, including film equipment, cash, jewelry, and her son’s artwork. Upon returning to Los Angeles, she chose to document her and her wife Morgan Doctor's experience of returning to their destroyed home, capturing the broader impact of the fire on their community.

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Timoner collaborated with producer Maggie Contreras, cinematographer Elle Schneider, and her nephew Eli Timoner to create the 38-minute documentary titled “All The Walls Came Down.” The film not only reflects Timoner's personal loss but also highlights the plight of her neighbors, many of whom faced the risk of permanent displacement and loss of generational wealth. The documentary features community organizer Heavenly Hughes and the nonprofit My Tribe Rise, showcasing efforts to support those affected by the fire.

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Since its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in September 2025, “All The Walls Came Down” has been instrumental in raising financial and material support for families impacted by the Eaton Fire. Timoner has organized screenings in collaboration with My Tribe Rise to attract financiers and organizations that can assist Altadena residents. “The film has shown me the true power of filmmaking,” Timoner stated, emphasizing its role in transforming tragedy into a rallying cry for community support.

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The documentary has also been used to gather signatures for a petition aimed at halting foreclosures in Altadena. Timoner reported that they have collected over 1,000 signatures, urging California Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature to impose a moratorium on mortgage payments and evictions for those affected by the fire until claims against Southern California Edison and related insurance matters are resolved.

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Timoner expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to document her experience, stating, “I am so glad I did film when I returned to the ruins of my home... It gave me the material with which to transform the experience from an utter nightmare... to something that can protect and heal.” She aims to continue using the film as a tool for community healing and recovery, stating, “We want to continue to use the film as a way to help the community heal from such a traumatic event.”

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• “I am so glad I did film when I returned to the ruins of my home, despite really feeling hopeless and overwhelmed,” — Ondi Timoner, Filmmaker

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• “All The Walls Came Down” has shown me the true power of filmmaking – giving me the opportunity to turn an unimaginable tragedy into a rallying cry and a shield to protect the town and its most vulnerable,” says Timoner.” — Ondi Timoner, Filmmaker

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• “We have reached over 1000 signatures and we are just getting started,” — Ondi Timoner, Filmmaker

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The documentary is set to be released on the Los Angeles Times' documentary platform on January 7, 2026. Timoner and her team plan to continue their advocacy efforts to support Altadena families in their recovery from the Eaton Fire.

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