"Something in the Water"

Inspired by a dark and critically important period in the recent history of the United States, between October 2020 and April 2021, the “Something in the Water” documentary was created in the spirit of keeping democracy alive by capturing the experiences and perspectives of Americans. 

Set against the backdrop of a contentious 2020 Presidential election, nationwide social uprisings, and a global pandemic, the film is the story of America struggling to understand and rationalize the ideologies that divide its people.  Americans have been living in a state of fear, confusion, and grief, while reckoning with historical truths, racial violence, mass deaths, and the implications of a polarized nation.

And yet, despite the obstacles that confront it, the collective testimonies of two hundred Americans from across the country, tell a story of America that brings real hope to the promise of democracy and helps to heal the wounds of a fractured nation in the search for common ground.

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, dedicated to human rights and social justice issues. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, 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 and Director, Stillman's projects have been seen around the globe. 

Jeri Wachter (Producer/Director) is a Georgia born, NYC and Southern raised filmmaker, consultant, and public speaker, creating compelling films and events to illuminate and inspire action toward an equitable and  just world.  Other "works in progress" include Rural Matters: Poverty in the Other America".  Previously, she spent more than two decades in scientific and technical publishing, as a leading advocate to advance DEI in the workplace, and for twenty years, as cofounder/chair of William Andrew Publishing, a publisher of major works 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.

The film sparks dialogue, a sense of respectful curiosity, and an atmosphere of caring deeply about our fellow Americans; thus, engaging viewers to begin a process to bridge misunderstandings about each other, and around challenging and critical issues in our country.

This work is intended for broad audiences, ages 14-103, 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.

Keep an eye out for news about upcoming film festivals near you in 2022. Send us an email to be sure you're on our list for announcements. We'd love to hear from you.