"Something in the Water"

Inspired by one of the most turbulent periods in the recent history of the United States, the “Something in the Water... A Search for Common Ground in America” documentary project was created in the spirit of keeping democracy alive by capturing the nuances, perspectives, and experiences of Americans from across the country about the state of our nation.

It's the story of America set against the backdrop of a contentious 2020 Presidential election, nationwide social unrest, and amid a global pandemic. Between October 2020 and April 2021, our team traveled sixteen thousand, five hundred  miles, conducting filmed interviews with one hundred nighty-five people in thirty states, over fifty days. 

This documentary "work in progress" is  an historical portrayal of a country struggling to understand and rationalize the ideologies that divide its people. And yet, despite the obstacles that confront it, the promise of America is still alive and prospering, offering hope to heal the wounds of a fractured nation. 

The "Something in the Water" documentary is the third collaboration between filmmakers Jeri Wachter and Joseph C. Stillman.  Contact us at  hope@somethinginthewater.today.

Joseph C. Stillman (Producer/Director) is an award-winning filmmaker, focused on human rights and social justice issues. He has spent forty-six years producing, directing, shooting, writing, and editing motion pictures and documentary films during the course of his career.  His recent works include the internationally acclaimed feature documentary, "Citizen Clark... A Life  of Principle," the story of former U.S. Attorney General and Human Rights activist, Ramsey Clark and "From Mills River to Babylon and Back... The Jimmy Massey Story."  As an Emmy winning, Oscar nominated and Best Documentary Film Producer/Director, Stillman's projects have been seen around the globe. 

Jeri Wachter (Producer/Director) is a filmmaker, consultant, and public speaker utilizing research, communications, and advocacy to educate, engage the public, and drive positive social change. Other “works in progress” include "Rural Matters; Poverty in the Other America," addressing the impact of social and economic inequities in three counties in Upstate New York. Previously, she cofounded the Workplace Equity Project, a worldwide initiative in scholarly publishing. In 1989, she cofounded William Andrew Publishing, and over twenty years, established the company as a leading applied science publisher in fields such as materials, energy, and ecology.

Americans across our land have many concerns and depending of course on what their individual and family situations and connection to history are, their viewpoints represent tremendous diversity, which is as we found, the great American experience.  As filmmakers, we take this responsibility seriously and are confident that our film offers an opportunity to learn from others what we don’t often get a chance to see.

Early “work in progress” screenings have shown a profound effect on audiences, sparking dialogue and a sense of respectful curiosity, engaging viewers to begin a process to bridge misunderstandings about each other, and around challenging and critical issues in our country. It fosters love, hope, and pride for the people, and this place we call our country, and our home. 

This work is intended for students, faculty, and staff, in high schools, colleges and universities, as well as individuals at all levels in businesses and organizations, legislative policy makers, and where communities across our land can screen and hold forums.

Joseph and Jeri in Las Cruces, New Mexico in March 2021.