Film Lens
Fatal Flood covers the catastrophic flooding of the Mississippi River in the spring of 1927, which resulted from weeks of heavy rainfall. The film details the impact of the flood from Cairo, Illinois to New Orleans, affecting hundreds of towns, causing the deaths of up to a thousand people, and leaving a million homeless. It presents a narrative that intertwines the natural disaster with social issues, particularly focusing on the conflict between the majority black population in Greenville, Mississippi, and the aristocratic Percy family, who owned plantations in the area.
The documentary examines themes of greed, power, and race during a pivotal moment in American history. It portrays the struggles of the local community against the backdrop of a devastating natural event, illustrating how the flood exacerbated existing racial tensions and economic disparities. The film's approach combines historical context with personal stories, providing a comprehensive view of the disaster's effects on individuals and society.
Why Watch
- •See the devastating impact of the 1927 Mississippi River flood.
- •Meet the Percy family and their role in the flood's aftermath.
- •Find out how race and power shaped the disaster response.
Did You Know
•The Mississippi River flood in 1927 left a million people homeless.
•Up to a thousand people died due to the flooding in 1927.
•The flood affected hundreds of towns from Cairo, Illinois to New Orleans.
•The conflict in Greenville involved the majority black population and the Percy family.
Perfect For
American historyNatural disastersRacial dynamics