Here’s to Flint (2016)
In the heart of Michigan, a city faced a calamity that would reverberate far beyond its borders. The Flint water crisis, a man-made disaster, unfolded with devastating consequences. The documentary Here’s to Flint delves into the origins of this crisis, exposing the truth behind the lead-contaminated drinking water that plagued the city.
Directed by Kate Levy, the film captures the unfolding tragedy while the crisis was still raw. It chronicles the policy decisions and attempted cover-ups that led to the poisoning of Flint’s water supply. Here, the water ceased to be a basic necessity—it became a silent assailant, infiltrating homes, schools, and lives.
The documentary introduces us to key figures who fought relentlessly for justice:
- Curt Guyette: An investigative reporter from the ACLU of Michigan, Guyette’s work forms the backbone of the film. His tireless pursuit of truth and accountability shines through as he unravels the layers of negligence and deception.
- Melissa Mays: A Flint resident and activist, Mays embodies the resilience of her community. She refused to accept poisoned water as the new normal, rallying her neighbors and demanding answers.
- Nayyirah Shariff: Another fierce advocate, Shariff’s determination to expose the truth is unwavering. Her voice echoes the collective cry of Flint’s residents: justice, transparency, and safe water.
- Rick Snyder: The former Michigan governor, whose decisions contributed to the crisis, is also part of the narrative. His actions—or lack thereof—became a symbol of bureaucratic failure.
The film unflinchingly portrays the human toll: children with elevated lead levels, families grappling with health issues, and a community betrayed by those entrusted to protect them. It captures the anger, frustration, and resilience of Flint’s people as they grapple with a crisis that should never have occurred.
Here’s to Flint serves as a stark reminder that environmental justice is not a luxury—it’s a fundamental right. It compels us to question the systems that fail us and the leaders who prioritize convenience over safety. The film’s title, seemingly celebratory, carries a deeper meaning: a toast to the indomitable spirit of Flint, a city that refused to be silenced.
We only scratch the surface of a documentary that demands our attention. It urges us to confront uncomfortable truths and recognize that the fight for clean water is ongoing. As we raise our metaphorical glasses to Flint, let us also raise our voices—demanding accountability, change, and a future where no community suffers the same fate.
