SHELTER IN PLACE

Shown as part of the multi-day, multi-venue Health and the Environment Film Series

SHELTER IN PLACE (USA, 2009, 48 min.)

Washington, D.C. Premiere 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.

Short film, MY TOXIC REALITY (5 min.), about Goldman Environmental Prize winner, Hilton Kelley, immediately follows screening of SHELTER IN PLACE.

Introduced by Alfonzye Chisholm Jr., Director, Office of Sustainability, Howard University. Discussion with Hilton Kelley, featured in film and Winner, 2011 Goldman Environmental Prize, follows screening.

Ticket/Reservation Info:

FREE. No reservations required. Photo ID required to board Howard University Shuttle available from Howard/Shaw Metro stop.

Howard University, Cramton Auditorium
2455 Sixth St., NW
(Metro: Shaw-Howard University)