A mass exodus of white residents in the 1990s transformed Spanish Lake, Missouri, from a predominantly white suburb to a mostly black community.
“A small town with big problems.”
Synopsis
A mass exodus of white residents in the 1990s transformed Spanish Lake, Missouri, from a predominantly white suburb to a mostly black community.
Synopsis
Phillip Andrew Morton returns to Spanish Lake, Missouri, his childhood home, to document the suburb's transformation from a predominantly white community in the 1950s to a mostly Black population by the 1990s. The film details the effects of white flight, blockbusting, and systemic racism on the area. It also connects local tensions to broader national issues, including political divides and anti-government sentiment. After its premiere in St. Louis on June 13, 2014, the film faced suppression following the Ferguson unrest.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See the impact of white flight in Spanish Lake.
- Meet residents reflecting on their community's changes.
- Find out how Ferguson influenced the film's release.
Did You Know
- Spanish Lake was named after Spanish troops in 1768.
- Filming wrapped up in May 2013 after starting in April 2011.
- The film was pulled from theaters in St. Louis in August 2014 due to racial tensions.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Spanish Lake premiere theatrically?
Spanish Lake premiered theatrically in St. Louis, Missouri on June 13, 2014.
What caused the racial tensions in Spanish Lake during the 1970s?
Racial tensions in Spanish Lake during the 1970s were caused by African-Americans moving into the area via the Section 8 voucher system after fleeing the failed Pruitt-Igoe public housing high rises.
What was the original funding source for the film Spanish Lake?
The original funding for Spanish Lake came from director Phillip Andrew Morton using his own money, followed by a Kickstarter campaign in June 2011.
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