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There's Something in the Water
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Wikipedia article
'There's Something in the Water' is a 2019 Canadian documentary film, directed by Elliot Page and Ian Daniel.[https://www.thestar.com/halifax/2019/07/31/nova-scotian-stories-of-environmental-racism-hit-the-big-screen-at-tiff-in-ellen-page-documentary.html "Nova Scotian stories of Environmental racism hit the big screen at TIFF in Ellen Page documentary"]. 'Toronto Star', July 31, 2019. An examination of environmental racism, the film explores the disproportionate effect of environmental damage on Black Canadian and First Nations communities in Nova Scotia. The film takes its name from Ingrid Waldron's book on environmental racism, 'There's Something in the Water'.
Synopsis
The film begins by depicting conditions in the black community outside of Shelburne, Nova Scotia, where a correlation between contaminated well water and elevated rates of cancer went unaddressed. The film also explores Indigenous communities in Nova Scotia such as Pictou Landing First Nation which was affected by water pollution in Boat Harbour and Sipeknekatik First Nation which is fighting against a gas company's plan to release salt brine into the Shubenacadie River.
Production
The film was co-directed and produced by Elliot Page and Ian Daniel, who had previously worked together on the documentary series 'Gaycation'. Starting in April 2019, it was shot on location in Nova Scotia and includes interviews with various environmental activists from marginalized communities, along with archival news footage. Page made the film with $350,000 of his own money.
Release
The film premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film FestivalBarry Hertz, [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/article-tiff-2019-toronto-festivals-canadian-lineup-a-mix-of-familiar-faces/ "TIFF 2019: Toronto festivals Canadian lineup a mix of familiar faces, exciting rookies and a starring role for David Cronenberg"]. 'The Globe and Mail', July 31, 2019. and was released on Netflix on March 27, 2020.
Reception
On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, of critic reviews are positive, and the average rating is . According to Metacritic, which sampled six critics and calculated a weighted average score of 62 out of 100, the film received "generally favorable reviews".
Jordan Mintzer of 'The Hollywood Reporter' gave a mostly positive review, concluding that "Made in a standard documentary format that includes a voiceover and a tad too much weepy music, 'Water' gets its job done directly enough, underlining a situation that remains dire despite what seems to be a growing level awareness around the country."
Notes
References
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