For more than a century, women have helped shape the character, culture, and spirit of Pacific Palisades. From the visionaries who helped establish the community to the leaders, business owners, volunteers, and residents guiding its recovery today, women have played a vital role in preserving and strengthening one of California's most cherished coastal communities. Following the devastating January 2025 wildfires, a new generation of women has emerged to lead the rebuilding effort. PALISTRONG is a documentary film exploring the resilience, leadership, and enduring legacy of the women helping Pacific Palisades rise again.
THE STORY
A Century of Women
Long before the 2025 wildfire, women helped lay the foundation for what would become Pacific Palisades. From early landowners and community builders to civic leaders, business owners, and philanthropists, generations of women helped shape the community's identity. Today, that legacy continues through the women leading recovery, rebuilding businesses, restoring community spaces, supporting residents, and helping chart a path forward. Through historical context and contemporary storytelling, PALISTRONG bridges a century of leadership, revealing how one generation of women helped build a community—and how the next is helping rebuild it.
Long before the 2025 wildfire, women helped lay the foundation for what would become Pacific Palisades. From early landowners and community builders to civic leaders, business owners, and philanthropists, generations of women helped shape the community's identity. Today, that legacy continues through the women leading recovery, rebuilding businesses, restoring community spaces, supporting residents, and helping chart a path forward. Through historical context and contemporary storytelling, PALISTRONG bridges a century of leadership, revealing how one generation of women helped build a community—and how the next is helping rebuild it.
THE WOMEN WE'RE SUPPORTING
In addition to documenting the rebuilding of Pacific Palisades, PALISTRONG is committed to supporting women directly impacted by the January 2025 wildfire. Through the 325 Campaign and the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, the film highlights and supports women who are rebuilding their businesses, restoring their livelihoods, and helping strengthen the community's future. Their stories represent the resilience, determination, and hope at the heart of this project.
FEATURED WOMEN
The Women Who Built It
Arcadia Bandini de Baker
Early Landowner & Community Visionary |
Dorothy Gillis
Tree Steward & Community Builder |
Phyllis Genovese
First Female Chamber President |
Betty Rogers
Philanthropist & Community Advocate |
The Women Rebuilding It
Maryam Zar
Chamber President & Recovery Leader |
Jessica Rogers
Residents Association President |
Juliet Curry
Community Renewal Director |
Ruth Kahn
Veterans Community Advocate |
WHY THIS STORY MATTERS
Natural disasters often focus attention on what was lost. PALISTRONG focuses on what endures.
Through the voices of women across generations, the film explores community, resilience, leadership, and the enduring human spirit that continues to shape Pacific Palisades.
While rooted in one community's recovery, the story reflects universal themes of hope, perseverance, and the power of people coming together to rebuild after adversity.
Through the voices of women across generations, the film explores community, resilience, leadership, and the enduring human spirit that continues to shape Pacific Palisades.
While rooted in one community's recovery, the story reflects universal themes of hope, perseverance, and the power of people coming together to rebuild after adversity.
FILM STATUS
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PRODUCTION UPDATE
PALISTRONG is currently in production and documenting the ongoing recovery and rebuilding of Pacific Palisades following the January 2025 wildfire. The film has already captured interviews and footage that preserve a historic moment in the community's recovery and will continue documenting the rebuilding journey as it unfolds. Completed to date:
Ongoing production includes:
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GET INVOLVED
Help Preserve This Story
Community participation is an important part of this project. You can help by:
Community participation is an important part of this project. You can help by:
- Sharing historical photographs
- Contributing stories and memories
- Connecting us with community members
- Supporting production through donations
- Following the film's progress
Written & Directed by Cali Gilbert
Award-winning Filmmaker and Founder of Tower 15 Productions.
Award-winning Filmmaker and Founder of Tower 15 Productions.