Learn about big oil, civil rights and pollution on a grand scale. Texas has become richer than all but ten of the world’s sovereign nations, but at what human cost? It is the vast, sprawling complexes of oil refineries and petrochemical plants that help make the Texan economy one of the biggest in the world. These industries are legally permitted to release millions of tons of toxic pollutants into the air each year, plus thousands of tons more in ‘accidental’ or ‘unscheduled’ releases. When these incidents happen, local residents are told to stay in their homes and tape up their windows and doors. This procedure is called “shelter in place.” Communities living on the border of these Texas industries are usually poor, African American and powerless to protest. This film is an intimate portrait of a community battling against environmental pollution and corporate power. The film includes Hilton Kelley, 2011 winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize. Directed by Zed Nelson. Produced by Hannah Patterson. Official Selection, 2009 Sheffield International Documentary Film Festival.

Shelther in Place

2009 US 48 min
Festival Year: 2012
Types:
Topic: Environmental Advocacy and Justice, Sustainable Living