"Trouble the Water" on HBO

Last summer we saw this movie in the theatre. We had heard that it created a lot of buz at Sundance, won several awards, and was a Best Documentary nominee for an Academy Award. So we went out of curiosity more than anything.

It is the story of one couple with their video camera, capturing what came along for them during Hurricane Katrina. The raw footage is revealing and their calm spirits during those horrific days is uplifting.

We came away from this movie moved by the tenacity of the people, disturbed by some of the events that they captured, and uplifted by this couple's enormous desire to get their life back. We were also saddened at their loss, not only of home and belongings, but of their entire community, which to them was their extended family in many ways.

This movie will be shown on HBO on Thursday, April 23rd at 8:30 PM ET/PT

http://www.troublethewaterfilm.com

I thought you might like to know, and be able to watch it if you so desire. I do recommend it!

Until next time!

Stephanie

"Trouble the Water" a documentary

Last weekend we went to Austin to view a documentary on Hurricane Katrina called "Trouble the Water". I wasn't sure what to expect or what emotions we might come away with.

As the movie ended, the people in the theatre sat in silence as the credits rolled. Were they interested in all the participants in the movie, or were they experiencing the profound sadness that I felt?

Filmed by a New Orleans native with a newly purchased used video camera, the story is told by Kim and her husband as they record the events going on around them. Their ability to remain calm as the water rose chest deep around their home, their generosity in hoisting neighbors into their attic, the neighbor who helped them escape to higher ground, and their upbeat attitude sprinkled with humor at their situation made the movie. We recognized the accent and lingo that "our kids" use.

The most poignant part was when they managed to trudge through the water to dry ground and found themselves in front of a naval base that was partially closed. The housing units at the base were no longer being used, but the guard at the gate immediately called for backup. With guns pointed at them, they asked if they could spend the night, and when they were refused, they asked if the women and children would be allowed in. Again, they were refused. President Bush later sent the base a letter of commendation for "diffusing a potentially dangerous situation".

After finding their way to Memphis, they were unable to find jobs that paid a living wage. Not really wanting to return to New Orleans, they had no place else to go. Kim's husband got a job working for a contractor and was thrilled to be learning a new trade and earning a wage that allowed him to feel like a productive member of society again.

Kim's mother died when she was young of aids resulting from her drug habits, and Kim was determined to live a life that her mother and grandmother would be proud of. The movie features several of Kim's original songs, sung in rap style but with words that were upbeat and optimistic, yet telling her story of her struggles in life.

Currently this movie is being shown in limited cities, but if you have a chance to see this award winning film, please make an effort to do so. Like the movie advertisement says, "It's not about a hurricane. It's about America."

Learn more and check movie locations at: www.troublethewaterfilm.com

Until next time!
Stephanie