Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 8 May: The new Hindi short film, Fire Warriors, has been officially selected to screen at the highly anticipated 3rd edition of the Waves International Short Film Festival Goa. On the theme, “A Celebration of Cinematic Waves”, the festival is underway from 7 to 10 May, at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Panaji.
This is not just a film produced far away; this is Uttarakhand’s own story. At the soul of Fire Warriors — directed by Mahesh Bhatt, who hails from Dehradun, Uttarakhand — is the true diary of TR Biju Lal, IFS, a serving forest officer who spent two decades protecting the forests of Uttarakhand. It stands as the world’s first film born directly from the real experiences of a serving forest officer.
Filmed across the breathtaking landscapes of Ramgarh, Mahesh Khan, Tagore Top, and Binsar in the Kumaon region, the 29-minute film tells true stories of courage, sacrifice, and the relentless fight to protect Jal, Jungle, and Zameen (Water, Forest, and Land). The narrative is deeply inspired by the successful ‘Shitlakhet model’ of the Almora district, where villagers are collectively protecting their forests by celebrating ‘ON Diwas’.
Most importantly, the film serves as a heartfelt tribute to the five frontline heroes who sacrificed their lives during the tragic 2024 forest fires at the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand.
Produced by Star Fortune Movies in association with Reality Films, the project boasts a talented crew, including Cinematographer Manoj Sati, Editor Aayushman, and Music Director Mann Chauhan. The executive production is helmed by Sanjay Maithani alongside Creative Producer Rituraj.
“We are incredibly honoured to have Fire Warriors recognised by the Waves International Short Film Festival,” said the production team. “This film is a tribute to the unsung heroes who risk their lives to protect our forests and wildlife. Screening it on such a prestigious platform in Goa allows us to share Uttarakhand’s vital story of sacrifice and environmental conservation with a wider, global audience.”
The Waves International Short Film Festival 3.0 is powered by the Department of Information and Publicity, Government of Goa, and supported by various partners including the Goa Tourism Development Corporation and brand partner Sony.
Star Fortune Movies and Reality Films are dedicated to producing impactful, story-driven cinematic experiences that highlight pressing real-world issues and unsung heroes.
