Watch From Flint: Voices of a Poisoned City

From Flint: Voices of a Poisoned City is a documentary film that sheds light on the Flint water crisis that began in 2014. Directed by Elise Conklin, the movie gives voice to the residents of Flint, Michigan, who were affected by the crisis caused by the switching of the city's water supply from Detroit to the Flint River. The film takes viewers through the events leading up to the crisis and the aftermath, telling the stories of the people who suffered the consequences of contaminated water in their homes.

The film's focus is on the residents of Flint who were left with no other option but to use contaminated water for their daily needs. The filmmakers interviewed a number of local residents, activists, and experts who played a pivotal role in the crisis. They also gathered footage from different sources, including social media, news reports, and government records, to provide a comprehensive overview of the crisis that lasted for years.

One of the most striking features of the film is the portrayal of the human impact of the crisis on the residents of Flint. The film's opening sequence introduces the viewers to the everyday lives of the residents, capturing their struggles and concerns regarding the foul-smelling, discolored and harmful water that they were forced to use. The use of personal stories and interviews expresses the anger, fear, and frustration of the residents towards the government officials who failed to address the crisis.

The film also introduces viewers to a range of local activists who stepped up and fought for their rights, making their voices heard through protests, social media campaigns, and public talks. One of the activists featured in the film is Nayyirah Shariff, who founded Flint Democracy Defense League to advocate for the rights of Flint residents and to seek justice for those affected by the crisis. Other activists, including Melissa Mays, LeeAnne Walters, and Rhonda Kelso, are also featured, each playing a critical role in uncovering the truth behind the contaminated water and calling for accountability.

From Flint: Voices of a Poisoned City also explains the key factors that led to the crisis, including the failure of the government officials to monitor the water quality, the lack of infrastructure to provide safe drinking water, and the negligence of emergency managers to listen to the concerns of the residents. The film delves into the politics of the crisis, revealing the deep-seated racism and corruption that contributed to the prolonged inaction of the government officials.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers also highlight the resilience and determination of the residents of Flint. They showcase the efforts of individuals and organizations to provide temporary relief, such as water deliveries and home water filters. The film concludes on a hopeful note by showing the progress that has been made in the years since the crisis, including the replacement of lead pipes, and the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable.

Overall, From Flint: Voices of a Poisoned City is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the human impact of the Flint water crisis. It brings to light the struggles and resilience of the residents of Flint, while drawing attention to the systemic issues that led to this crisis. The film is a must-watch for anyone concerned about environmental injustices, government accountability, and the power of collective action.

From Flint: Voices of a Poisoned City is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.9.