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Deep Dive: Atomic Homefront (2017)

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Atomic Homefront
Atomic Homefront is a documentary that examines the impact of radioactive waste stored in the West Lake Landfill in St. Louis County, Missouri. The film details the history of St. Louis as a uranium processing center during the Manhattan Project, which contributed to the atomic bomb. It discusses how spent materials containing radionuclides like uranium and thorium were disposed of near suburban areas, leading to contamination of the land and water, particularly Coldwater Creek. The documentary features grassroots organizations such as Just Moms STL and Coldwater Creek – Just the Facts Please, which work to educate the community about the health risks associated with the contamination. The film shows the unusually high rates of rare cancers and congenital defects among local residents, reflecting the community's growing discontent and demand for environmental justice.

Why Watch

  • •See the impact of radioactive waste in St. Louis.
  • •Meet activists from Just Moms STL.
  • •Find out about health risks from Coldwater Creek.

Did You Know

•The film won the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Journalism in 2019.
•St. Louis was a uranium processing center for the Manhattan Project.
•Radioactive materials were disposed of near city suburbs, affecting local health.
•The documentary was featured in multiple film festivals from 2017 to 2018.

Perfect For

Environmental justice advocatesPublic health researchersDocumentary film enthusiasts