Margaret Magnus, volunteer Communications Director for Meher Mount, and Ben Hoffman, CEO of Square Productions, worked together to create Tree of Fire: A Story of Love and Resilience. This is their third film project for Meher Mount.

Margaret Magnus Co-Director’s Statement

When the Thomas Fire struck Meher Mount in December 2017, a friend advised me to "document everything" – advice that became the foundation for Tree of Fire.  As I witnessed the damage to Baba’s Tree and the global outpouring of love that followed, I saw and felt the connection to Baba’s Tree. The suffering of this living landmark moved hearts and brought the community closer together.

 The tree’s impact extended far beyond Meher Mount’s borders – ashes were shared globally, burned twigs became objects for sacred dhuni fires, and damaged wood was transformed into beautiful objects.

Over time, it became clear this story needed to be told. After three years of filming, Tree of Fire emerged as proof that Baba's Tree continues to reach out and inspire. Through this documentary, I hope viewers will be moved by the tree’s resilience and discover their own connection to this extraordinary place.

Biography

Tree of Fire marks Margaret Magnus’ debut as a feature documentary director. With a professional background in journalism and magazine publishing, she brings a strong foundation in non-fiction storytelling to her filmmaking. 

As Communications Director and an on-site volunteer at Meher Mount during the time of the 2017 Thomas Fire, Magnus was an eyewitness to the dramatic events that unfolded.

She played a key role in documenting the tree’s journey – gathering stories, images, and reflections in real time. Her deep connection to the place and the people shaped this intimate and heartfelt film.

Magnus is the producer, co-director and writer of Tree of Fire.

Ben Hoffman Co-Director’s Statement

I felt a personal connection to this story from the beginning.  Living in Ojai, California, during the Thomas Fire, my family and I were forced to evacuate. Our neighborhood was spared, but the experience was truly humbling.

As a lifelong landscape photographer and filmmaker, this documentary felt like a natural fit. I’ve always felt most grounded behind the camera, and truly at peace capturing the many faces of our planet.

Tree of Fire began as a modest short film. But after 20 interviews and countless hours of filming and editing, it grew into a three-year journey, and ultimately, a full-length documentary.

The greatest challenge was giving the tree a voice. At first, I focused on its place in the broader landscape. But over time, I was drawn closer.  Often filming alone, I would lose myself in the eyepiece, letting shape, light, and color guide the lens. I hope audiences feel the quiet magic in this story and enjoy the beauty of the stories and the place. 

Biography

Ben Hoffman is a very curious person. He’s also a filmmaker, photographer, and visual storyteller with a passion for bold, meaningful imagery. From Olympians and A-list icons to gritty urban scenes and wild landscapes, his work spans countless subjects.

As a director of photography, Hoffman has led visual work on feature films, documentaries, and narrative shorts. He’s produced and edited hundreds of music videos, commercials, branded campaigns, and educational content. He is the CEO of Square Productions.

Originally from Los Angeles, he now splits time between Southern California and Kolomyia, Ukraine, a country he’s deeply connected to. He donates his time to Animal Rescue Kharkiv and uses his platform to raise awareness about the war. A longtime naturalist, guitarist, and writer, Hoffman lives by a simple motto: know your craft, stay curious.

Ben Hoffman is the co-director, cinematographer and editor of Tree of Fire.