Panel to follow the screening, more details soon!
The Strength of the Storm is a call to action. It gives a personal, human account of the actual, everyday struggles after Irene and the efforts of families to get back on their feet. The film shows the needs and voices of Vermonters after our most recent disaster, as well as thoughts about wide-spread poverty and effects of climate change. Ultimately, the film shows what people are doing to organize in response, so that people are not only able to recover from the storm, but make sure their communities Put People First in the days after the storm.
About
In late August, Vermont was hit with the brunt force Tropical Storm Irene and heavy rains created devastating floods that ripped apart dozens of communities across the state. In some parts of the state, whole communities were isolated for days as their roads, bridges, power, and phone services were cut off. Entire neighborhoods and downtowns were flooded, ruining hundreds of businesses and displacing hundreds of families.
In the days and weeks following the storm, there was an extraordinary amount of community support with volunteers from all over the state coming to lend a hand to help people dig out of the toxic mud left when the waters receded. As is often in times of crisis, many communities came together with resolve to demonstrate an enormous amount of care and solidarity. But as the waters receded, and as families or communities set upon the long-term tasks for recovery, Irene exposed inequalities that have existed in our state for a long time. The floods of Irene disproportionately impacted low-income people in a way that exposed injustices within our government response and society at large.
About the filmmaker
Rob Koier has over thirteen years experience as a Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Script Writer and Editor on documentaries, feature length narratives, promotional videos, and public service announcements. He also has several years experience leading college level film courses on Editing and Editing Theory. You can visit www.robkoier.com for examples of past work.