Trouble The Water

After seeing the buzz this documentary gained at Sundance in 2008. (I was lucky enough to be positioned working at the theatre showing it) I knew this documentary was a must! This film depicts the horror and chaos that was Hurricane Katrina. The film's heroine is Kim a 24 year old aspiring rap artist who bravely captured what she could of the storm, the community around her, and her survival all while it was happening. Her video camera battery dies shortly after the levees fail.

Trouble The Water gives first hand account of what it was like to live it. Comfortably wrapped up in my heated apartment in San Diego, my chest closed a little tighter with each inch the water rises. You honestly cannot possibly begin to imagine what these people went through. Your mind races to put yourself in the situation and to imagine what you would have done, were you there. The bravery and kindness and open hearted gestures acted out by several of the films players is unlike anything you've ever witnessed. To see a community who has nothing but give everything is indescribable.

The tag line for the documentary: "It's not about a hurricane. It's about America." rings true throughout the films entirety. Several discussions can be raised following the films closing credits. Topics of race, class level, and government are just the tip of the iceberg. (I will say, as moderately comfortable white girl living in Southern California) the film maybe shows the faces of four white people. Not because (I believe) it didn't want to, but because the number of white people effected was limited.

Not only did it win the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, it was nominated for an Academy Award in 2009. These are merely two of a long list of awards and accolades.

This happened here, in America. Watch the Documentary. You will not be disappointed.

(And if you're excuse is you don't have any money or you don't want to pay to rent it.) I rented it from the library, hence, free. No excuses. See it!

Mirn's Rating: A MUST!
Film's Website: http://www.troublethewaterfilm.com/