Synopsis:

The city of Flint is in crisis mode. A federal state of emergency has deemed its drinking water unsafe for consumption. This adds to an already decaying city infrastructure. In the face of this adversity, citizens of Flint rally together to forge a new and powerful narrative that flows with hope and optimism.

Director's Note:

I’ve always been captivated by the news. I can pinpoint certain newsworthy events that have occurred during my lifetime and the subsequent impact they’ve had on me.

This past January was slow for TV production work in New York City. My idle time was consumed with watching coverage of the Presidential primary season, but soon caucuses, delegates and battleground state headlines gave way to a new story; an account that I was astonished to hear.

Flint, Michigan was under a federal state of emergency caused by lead in its drinking water supply. The news reports continued for a full week.

I was astonished.

I was mad.

I wanted to know how this could happen in such an advanced country.

I felt the need to help. Surely, I could contribute in some way.

I didn’t know Flint at all. In fact, I’d only been to Michigan via Detroit a dozen or so times, working as a cinematographer for Major League Baseball. I have no real connection to Flint or even to the state of Michigan, but something about this story and the innocent lives it effected tugged at me. All the news of the lead water crisis was woven into the sad state of affairs that has befallen Flint, especially since big auto’s exodus.

The narrative was bleak. Uninspired. Demoralizing. Surely there was some positive side to the present day Flint, Michigan. I was inquisitive and began a search for any positive steps toward rebuilding the city in the wake of its water crisis. The result is "For Flint," a profile of resilient neighbors making a direct, daily impact on the lives of everyone they meet.

- Brian Schulz, Director

Inspiration “For Flint”

This film is for the residents of Flint. They’ve been through a lot. The community is steeped in hard work, civic pride and good old fashioned determination. Yet still, every search or news article you pull up on Flint characterizes the city with the same old tired narrative. It’s become synonymous with Flint: one of America’s most dangerous cities.

"For Flint" aims to change the narrative and give the people who live there something more for which to cheer. It's a big dream about a small town, filtered through the lens of a short film.

Join Our Journey!

“For Flint” is truly an indie film. It began spur of the moment and the Director dug into his own pockets to film the project. As with any indie production the number one obstacle is funding. We need your help to finish the film, get it out to festivals, and eventually distribute the movie around the world.

The movie is only a part of the movement. Follow us on social media and engage with the filmmakers & Flint residents. We're helping to change the way people view Flint, Michigan, and we aim to inspire people to take action and support one another.