A 45-minute experimental documentary by San Francisco filmmaker Dolissa Medina, “Cartography of Ashes” traces the path of the great conflagration that destroyed San Francisco in the three days that followed the 1906 earthquake. Modern-day firefighters will narrate the film, adding their own thoughts on the fire’s legacy and the state of disaster preparedness today.

The film, which also includes abstract and poetic images alongside archival and contemporary footage of the city, will premiere as an outdoor film screening on April 18, 2006. One of several Centennial events, “Cartography of Ashes” will
be projected onto the side of a firefighter training tower at Station #7 on Folsom and 19th Streets in the city’s Mission District. The public is invited to attend this free event.

San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said she was looking forward to the collaboration between Medina and her department.  

“As a team, the Fire Department and the group of artists that Ms. Medina assembles are looking forward to a successful production and a memorable experience for the citizens of and visitors to the City and County of San Francisco,” Chief Hayes-White said.

“As someone who takes so much creative inspiration from San Francisco, I am honored that “Cartography of Ashes” is being supported by the city,” said Medina, a filmmaker, writer and curator who has been involved in the Bay Area’s art scene for ten years.

For more information, visit www.ashes06.org or call (415) 621-4054.

The Intersection Incubator

“Cartography of Ashes” is a member of the Intersection Incubator, a program of Intersection for the Arts providing fiscal sponsorship, networking and consulting for artists. Intersection is San Francisco’s oldest alternative arts space, presenting groundbreaking works in the literary, performing, visual and interdisciplinary arts.
1906 Centennial Alliance

The film project is also a member of the 1906 Centennial Alliance, a Bay Area-wide consortium of agencies coordinating events for the 100th anniversary.