The Filmmaker Behind Fire Safe Marin’s Visual Storytelling
If you’ve seen a Fire Safe Marin video on social media, in a Firewise training, or at a community meeting, you’ve likely experienced the work of Corte Madera filmmaker Chikara Motomura. Since 2020, Chikara and Fire Safe Marin’s Creative Director Meg McCabe have produced over 250 wildfire safety videos and PSAs, transforming technical information into accessible, human-centered stories that have helped make Marin one of the most wildfire-prepared counties in the nation.
The Path to Documentary Filmmaking
Born and raised in Japan, Chikara was drawn early to storytelling and imagery. A leap of faith took him to New York City as a college student, where he landed a production assistant role at a Japanese TV company—launching a decades-long creative journey.
He later worked as a director for Japanese networks and spent ten years collaborating with Sundance and Cannes award-winning filmmaker Rob Nilsson on 14 independent films. Nilsson’s influence shaped Chikara’s craft and philosophy. “With Rob’s films I saw the power of telling the truth about human conditions. That’s where I realized documentary filmmaking was where my heart belonged.”
His own films have since earned international attention. Journey to Hokusai (2019) follows California printmaker Tom Killion’s pilgrimage to Japan to learn traditional woodblock printing. Kinobu: Food, Tradition, and Identity (2024) explores Kyoto cuisine through a fifth-generation Michelin-starred chef. His current project, The Last Boatbuilder, captures Japan’s fading wooden boatbuilding traditions.
“When you are ready, a path opens up for you,” Chikara reflects. “Each project came to me when the time was right.”
Fire Safe Through the Screen
That same philosophy led to his partnership with Fire Safe Marin in 2020. Introduced through a friend, Chikara began creating educational wildfire prevention videos that soon became essential to the organization’s outreach.
“It gave me meaningful work,” he says, “and opened my eyes to the real threat of wildfires and how I, as a Marin resident, can prepare.”
Since then, his camera has helped Fire Safe Marin amplify its mission. From six-second PSAs to full training features, Chikara brings clarity and artistry to life-saving messages. “Even with a six-second PSA, I try to make sure the message is clear and engaging,” he explains. “Wildfire prevention isn’t abstract. It’s about protecting lives, homes, and communities.”
See Chikara’s work on the Fire Safe Marin YouTube channel
Experience Chikara’s Path
Marin audiences can see more of his craft this fall with screenings at the Lark Theater in Larkspur:
- Journey to Hokusai – October 14 at 6:00 PM
- Kinobu: Food, Tradition, and Identity – Screenings begin November 14
Both documentaries showcase his artistic gift for blending tradition, storytelling, and humanity – the same qualities that make him a valued partner and friend of Fire Safe Marin.
