A documentary film

A story of community, the land, and the transformative power of a pepper.

Watch the Trailer

Watch the trailer

From generations of soil comes a fire that defines a community


In Pueblo, Colorado, green chile isn't just food — it's identity. For generations, farming families have cultivated the Pueblo chile in the Arkansas River valley, where warm days, cool nights, and unique soil create a flavor that has a lot in common with the community that grows it... hot and sweet, with some bite.

Fire & Soil explores how one pepper became the thread connecting a community's past and future. The film reveals what's really at stake: not just agriculture and water — but heritage, sacrifice, and the obligation to protect what defines you.

Flames and sparks erupt from a commercial chile roaster at the Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festival
Bushel baskets overflowing with red and green chile peppers at a farm stand
Low-angle view of green chile plants in a tilled field, with a green tractor working rows in the distance
Justin Bregar, filmmaker

Justin Bregar

Director  ·  Producer  ·  Storyteller

Justin Bregar is a filmmaker, designer, and educator born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. His work sits at the intersection of place, memory, and community — finding stories that deserve a wider audience and giving them the craft they deserve.

His documentary work spans short and long form, and his films have earned broad recognition. He brings the same deliberate eye to every frame — whether he's behind a camera, in an edit suite, or in a classroom.

Fire & Soil marks a return to the city where his story began — a deeply personal project years in the making.

Our Sponsors

Fire & Soil is made possible through the generous support of organizations and individuals who believe in the power of documentary storytelling to illuminate community history and inspire change.