(Aurora, Ill.) Oct. 20, 2011 — BRK Brands, Inc., maker of First Alert-brand fire extinguishing and smoke alarm products, has signed on to sponsor a new feature-length documentary that depicts the emotionally and physically challenging obstacles faced by burn survivors. The first-ever such affiliation for First Alert aims to generate awareness for the film, “TRIAL BY FIRE: Lives Re-Forged,” the inspirational message of courage it conveys and the important life-safety issues it underscores.
Produced by Wilton, Conn.-based Pyewackitt Productions, LLC, “TRIAL BY FIRE: Lives Re-Forged” chronicles the surprisingly positive stories of seven burn survivors, including J.R. Martinez, before and after the harrowing accidents that forever changed their lives. But, as the film intimately shows, overcoming the medical and physical challenges is only the beginning of their long and painful journeys. The documentary not only reveals the physical and emotional obstacles burn survivors face, but also examines the social issues with which they deal as they recover and re-enter society.
“All burn survivors are left with the daunting task of coming face-to-face with a culture that places a premium on physical beauty over strength of character,” explains Megan Smith-Harris, director of “TRIAL BY FIRE: Lives Re-Forged” and executive producer with Pyewackitt Productions. “With no choice but to wear their battle scars in public, it can make a trip to the grocery store, the mall or even to school, a humiliating and demoralizing experience.
“This film is about people who triumph despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and reclaim first their lives and then their dreams,” she adds. “When you forge metal with fire it becomes stronger — it turns out the same is true of the human spirit.”
The film provides insight into the circumstances of more than half a million Americans who are injured by fire in their homes, schools and workplaces every year. More than 40,000 of those suffer injuries significant enough to require years of medical care and rehabilitation, and many face discrimination, heartache and defeat without support.
“Fire prevention and safety education are very near and dear to the hearts of everyone at First Alert,” said Deborah Hanson, director of external affairs for BRK Brands. “We know that education saves lives and are proud to be associated with the film’s inspiring and universal message.”
“TRIAL BY FIRE: Lives Re-Forged” was recently previewed at a private screening at the Phoenix Society’s World Burn Congress, an annual forum for burn survivors, their families, caregivers, burn care professionals and fire fighters. The film is in the final stages of post production and will be screened at film festivals and theaters in 2012.
To see clips and learn more about the film, visit http://trialbyfiredoc.com or contact Pyewackitt Productions at 203-210-5295. “TRIAL BY FIRE: Lives Re-Forged” is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) production.
First Alert is a leading brand of home safety products including a comprehensive line of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and escape ladders, as well as Tundraâ„¢ Fire Extinguishing Spray, Onelink® wireless alarms, fire-resistant and waterproof safes, home surveillance/security cameras and family monitors. First Alert products are sold in home improvement, mass merchant and other specialty stores nationwide.
