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Americans across our land have many concerns, and depending, of course, on their individual and family situations and connection to history, 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.

It captures the nuances, perspectives, and experiences of Americans from across the United States. It is the story of America set against the backdrop of a contentious 2020 Presidential Election, nationwide social unrest, and a global pandemic. From economic challenges to political polarization, growing racial and economic disparities, to healthcare hurdles, across ages, people were angry, hopeful, sad, betrayed, depressed, optimistic, concerned, hurting, feeling despair, and all the above.

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. Our documentary seeks to find common ground in America. We feel privileged that people trusted us with their stories and the challenges they faced during this unique period in our Nation’s history. Their testimonies inspire 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.

It is intended for broad audiences, ages 14-103, in high schools, colleges, universities, businesses and organizations, legislative policymakers, and communities across our land to screen and hold forums. Closed Captioning (CC) is available.

To inquire about adding "Something in the Water"  to your collections,  licensing, and filmmaker events, email  info@importantfilmsmedia.com. 

To license please include the following information in your email:

• Movie format (digital, DVD, etc)

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• Anticipated size of the audience

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The "Something in the Water" documentary is inspired by the American spirit during a dark and critically important period in the recent history of the United States. Between October 2020 and April 2021, Americans everywhere faced an acute and permanent change to the very structures of their social, domestic, and working lives. Whole communities across the country struggled through confusion, fear, and grief while reckoning with historical truths and the implications of a polarized nation. The film celebrates the extraordinary diversity of the American people and seeks to find common ground amid political division, social unrest, and a global pandemic.

It is an immersive and historical portrayal of the American experience through a non-binary and empathetic lens, as the collective testimonies of two hundred people in thirty states, representing all regions of the U.S., bring real hope to this story about a country ridden with negativity and cynicism that are deeply embedded in the very social fabric of our daily lives. 

The film is a compelling, illuminating, and moving experience that elicits from the viewer a closer examination of the same questions the interviewees discussed. It helps us to face uncomfortable truths from America's past, as well as the admirable strengths of present-day Americans, with outcomes that have affected a redefined democracy as a result. As filmmakers, we believe in the power of diverse voices to foster dialogue, raise hope, and bring positive change to some of the most challenging issues of our time. 

Jeri Wachter and Joseph C. Stillman, Directors, "Something in the Water" documentary 

WINNER! 31st BVFF GRAND FESTIVAL AWARD DOCUMENTARY - STATE OF THE NATION  was presented to Jeri Wachter and Joseph C. Stillman for their documentary, "Something in the Water" for the film's courageous look at the state of the Nation, on October 28, 2022, at the East Bay Media Center.  Thank you, Mel Vapour, Executive Director | Co-founder the Berkeley Video Film Festival, and your team for this tremendous honor and recognition. 

WINNER! 10TH STUFF BEST OF THE FESTIVAL CORPUS CHRISTI “Something in the Water”  has been selected in the feature documentary category for the 10th South Texas Underground Film Festival (STUFF), screening on  December 4, 2022, at the Alamo Drafthouse, Corpus Christi, TX.  Thank you, Mariella Salinas Perez,  Co-Founder | Festival Director of STUFF for the honor. 

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SEMI-FINALIST! Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival "Something in the Water" has been listed as a semi-finalist in Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival, from  August 8-14, 2022, in Providence, RI. Thank you, George T. Marshal, Executive Director, and your team for all you do to bring important films to light. 

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OFFICIAL SELECTION Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival "Something in the Water" has been selected in the full length documentary category for the 4th annual Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival, September 20 – September 24 on the campus of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.  Thank you, Kara Walker, Executive Director and your team for the honor.

NEW YORK PREMIERE Two nights of music, film, and community conversations with filmmakers Jeri Wachter and Joseph C. Stillman at the NY Premiere of “Something in the Water,” their stunning and thought-provoking look at Americans in the present era, at Foothills Performing Arts Center, on April 21 & 22, in Oneonta, NY.