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A moviegoer’s review

The response to Trouble the Water has been overwhelming. As we approach the release of the movie, we thought we would share a viewer’s thoughts on the documentary.

Robin Semple, who was able to see a screening in June, is the Director of Foundation Relations at Fordham University: 

First, this film in riveting on so many levels; as one who does not believe in coincidences I know they were all brought together to show the world this view of what happened in August 2005. The film also shows an aspect of U.S. life rarely seen on the big screen prior to Katrina and Rita - urban southern poverty against a vivacious canvas of integrity, ingenuity, creativity, sense of community and love.

The film showed "black family" in its broadest sense - a framework that is drawn from a collective memory of the slave experience. Whenever we could we left no one behind and strangers could become family at the turn of an event. One of the most striking aspects of the film is the relationship between Kim and Scott. Rarely do we see black couples in the media that reflect the complexities we experience in Kim and Scott. They love each other. They support each other. They've discovered a balance that allows for give and take and each to contribute his/her best to the relationship. Just they way they move through the journey is an inspiration, especially because they are so young.

This is a powerful film that I'm already beginning to tell others about and I truly thank Tia and Carl et. al. for developing it. There are some that may feel - we've moved beyond Katrina and we already know what happened. Until you see this film you do not!

Throughout history the most compelling accounts of history have been those shared by eyewitness and to date no Katrina eyewitness has been able to share a perspective like this. Also as the rebuilding effort continues - New Orleans-continues to suffer from centuries of underdevelopment and political corruption that most Americans would just as soon forget. This film, with its fresh perspective - brings the issue back to the foreground where it belongs.