STORY

Pulling Hope is a short film chronicling the wildfire recovery efforts in Lahaina, Maui, with a focus on the federal modular housing initiative. The film follows DeForge Maritime as they transport modular homes across the Pacific, highlighting the resilience of the community and the unsung heroes who make the relief effort possible. Through immersive storytelling, the film explores both the devastation of the wildfire and the hope offered by rebuilding initiatives, capturing diverse perspectives from maritime crews, local residents, and community leaders

APPROACH
Chris served as Director and DP for Pulling Hope, overseeing the film from concept to delivery. Working closely with DeForge Maritime, he captured the full scope of the modular home relief initiative — from early morning preparations at the California docks to the tugboats’ journey across the Pacific and their arrival in Lahaina.

The production combined cinematic drone and handheld footage with intimate interviews of crew members, local stakeholders, and community members, giving viewers a firsthand perspective of the challenges and impact of the recovery efforts. Chris also coordinated archival material and first-hand accounts to provide context on the wildfire’s devastation and highlight the scale of the ongoing relief mission.

By blending on-the-water action, interviews, and evocative environmental shots of Maui, Chris crafted a short documentary that tells the story of collective effort, perseverance, and hope. The film’s goal was not only to document the relief initiative but also to inspire support for ongoing grassroots efforts and raise awareness of the continuing needs of the community.

IMPACT
Pulling Hope sheds light on the ongoing relief efforts in Maui, raising awareness about the scale of recovery and the importance of community-driven initiatives. The film highlights the work of overlooked heroes, encourages public support and donations, and inspires engagement with grassroots relief efforts. Beyond documenting the operation, the film reinforces the values of resilience, collaboration, and hope in the face of tragedy.