By: Brianna Oppenheimer 

Nashville, TN (The Hollywood Times) 3/26/25 – Shiloh Strong is a filmmaker, writer, and photographer with a deep connection to California’s landscapes. He began his career at age 10, landing his first feature film role in House of Cards at the Sundance Film Festival in 1993. His passion for storytelling grew from family projects, earning him a Dramalogue Award at 16 for his play Shades of Blue. His filmmaking career includes producing and acting in Buck Naked Arson, directing 15 episodes of Girl Meets World, and winning Best Online Short Film at Tribeca for The Dungeon Master. He’s also sold screenplays to Lionsgate, LD Entertainment, and Amazon Studios.

Photography has taken him around the world, working on commercial projects and nonprofit initiatives like documenting humanitarian efforts for Oxfam America. Above all, Shiloh believes in storytelling as a way to connect with others and create meaningful work. When not working, he enjoys hosting brunches, building in his workshop, and catching waves at sunrise.

Shiloh, I would like to start by asking what inspired you to create this film festival with a focus on fire victims. Could you share your personal history and experiences that led you to this initiative?

Thank you for the question. My journey into the creative arts began early—I’ve been involved in the entertainment industry for over 30 years, starting as an actor at the age of 10. Over time, I transitioned into writing, directing, and eventually studied photography, as I was seeking a more stable profession. However, the creative arts have always remained at the core of my life. I was fortunate enough to build a career in acting, writing, directing, and visual storytelling, particularly photography. I’ve always found myself drawn back to Los Angeles despite originally being from Northern California, about an hour north of San Francisco.

A pivotal event occurred 15 years ago while I was attending the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, which has since closed. During that time, a wildfire swept through and destroyed my home, a small studio apartment where I had my entire life invested. It was a devastating experience, losing everything in the blaze, but fortunately, I had the support of friends, resources, and a community to help me recover. I can certainly relate to those affected by fires here in Los Angeles, and this personal history has informed my desire to contribute to the recovery process for others.

The physical recovery after such a disaster is only part of the journey. While people often focus on immediate needs like housing, food, and clothing, the emotional and psychological impact can linger long after the immediate crisis is over. The hardest part, in my experience, is returning to a normal life when the rest of the world has moved on. This is especially true for artists, like myself, who often face the temptation to abandon their creative aspirations during difficult times. Losing my home was, in many ways, the ultimate reason to give up on my dreams, but it was also a catalyst for my determination to persevere. I’m incredibly grateful for the people who supported me during that time, helping me rediscover my creative drive.

In the aftermath of my own personal experience, I began creating again. I embarked on a project that allowed me to travel to Europe for fashion photography and also worked on short films with my brother and friends. Creativity truly became my therapy, and I realized the healing power of artistic expression.

When the fires affected Los Angeles, I saw an opportunity to help others in a similar way. I had recently moved back to Santa Monica and was planning to make a short film. With a modest budget of $25,000, I decided to hire individuals who had been directly impacted by the fires, believing that this would not only help them but also provide an opportunity for meaningful creative work. This idea quickly grew into something more ambitious. I realized I could use my resources to build a nonprofit initiative aimed at funding and supporting independent filmmakers, particularly those affected by natural disasters like fires.

The goal is to create a fund that would provide grants to filmmakers working on short film projects—whether narrative films, documentaries, or music videos—that center around themes of resilience and overcoming adversity. These projects would be based in Los Angeles, providing a platform for individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to tell their stories or showcase their work. We would also ensure that those hired for the production are compensated fairly.

As the project evolves, I am in the process of establishing the necessary infrastructure, including a nonprofit consultant team and assistance with marketing and fundraising. My vision is to have a space where filmmakers can present their work, culminating in a screening event that celebrates their resilience and the stories they’ve shared.

Ultimately, I would love to raise enough funds to support at least 10 short film projects, particularly those created by people directly affected by the fires. The festival aspect would likely consist of one or two days of screenings, and I’m currently working to find a venue. I am also reaching out to potential corporate sponsors and organizations to secure in-kind donations or financial support. Though this is in the early stages, my hope is that this initiative will grow into a significant program that continues to provide support for filmmakers affected by future environmental disasters.

The long-term vision is to create a program that supports artists in the aftermath of any natural disaster, not just wildfires. Climate change has made these events more frequent, and artists and filmmakers who face such challenges need a platform to rebuild and share their stories.

Finally, I encourage anyone who resonates with the mission of supporting resilience through creativity to reach out. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a potential donor, or someone with expertise in nonprofit management, your involvement can make a meaningful impact. The goal is to create a supportive community that enables those affected by fires to not only rebuild their lives but also share their stories through the power of film.

Ashes to Film has a fiscal sponsor, The Edward Charles Foundation. Ashes to Film is sanctioned by their nonprofit and any donations to Ashes to Film are tax deductible.

Ashes to Films is accepting grant applications if anyone wants to apply with an idea or pitch! Hopefully, we see many people rise from the ashes and make powerful art with Shiloh in the months and years to come.

https://www.ashestofilms.org/