Company Town

Company Town is a 2016 compelling documentary, directed by Natalie Kottke-Masocco and Erica Sardarian. It offers an intimate and poignant depiction of the modern-day David vs. Goliath struggle as it unfolds in Crossett, a small town in Arkansas. At the heart of this film are two powerful protagonists, David Bouie, a lifetime resident of Crossett and unemployed union worker, and Cheryl Slavant, a tireless environmental activist, along with the award-winning environmental scientist, Wilma Subra.

The film opens amidst the lush, yet troubled landscape of Crossett, revealing that the mighty paper mill industry has always been at the heart of this small community, both a livelihood and curse for the townsfolk. The town's paper mill, owned by Georgia-Pacific, a Koch Industries subsidiary, has been the lifeblood of the community since it opened in the 1960s, ensuring steady employment for generations. However, the film dexterously reveals the darker truth beneath the surface.

Part investigative journalism, part environmental crusade, Company Town brings into spotlight the concerns about the health costs of the industry. The documentary is underscored by alarming stories of local residents, who have been battling worryingly high rates of cancer and other diseases, that they attribute to the paper mill's contamination of the air and waters of Crossett.

David Bouie, a charismatic and protagonist of the film, leads the charge against the mill. As a laid-off union worker and a lifelong resident of Crossett, Bouie’s devotion to his town is as unflagging as his resolve. His heartfelt narration provides personal insights into the impact the industry has had on his life and the life of his town. His narrative is filled with poignant accounts of loss and suffering, but it is also fueled by relentless optimism and courage.

Cheryl Slavant, another key player in the narrative, is an outsider who has joined the townsfolk in their struggle against the industries. An environmental advocate from Louisiana, Slavant is presented as an ally to the locals in their fight against the mill. She brings credibility and a wealth of experience to the local struggle, turning the camera on a situation that had been ignored for far too long.

Meanwhile, experienced environmental scientist Wilma Subra brings her expertise to this heated situation, joining hands with Bouie and Slavant in their fight for justice. Her investigations into the situation play a major role in stimulating this grassroots movement, bringing it into the limelight and significantly increasing its chances of success.

Company Town takes us through this compelling journey as we see the local community rising and demanding justice for themselves and their children. The film is a sobering indictment of environmental racism and classism, demonstrating the immense power that corporate industries wield in small towns like Crossett.

Providing an unerring focus that draws the audience into the struggles, fears and victories of a community fighting against all odds, the film presents crucial questions concerning corporate responsibility, environmental justice and the value of human life. The terrifying correlation made between the mill's operations and the rising health issues in Crossett represent an alarming scenario, where economic stability is tragically intertwined with major health risks.

The cinematography, with contrasting visual imagery of the beauty of Crossett and the grim realities of its industry, adds to the stark impact of the narrative. The movie doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to presenting the grimy truth of the issue at hand.

All in all, Company Town is a gripping, heart-wrenching examination of a rural community dealing with the devastating health and environmental impact of corporate negligence. It is an emotional and heartening look at unity, resilience, and a community’s determined fight for justice against incredible odds. It is a must-watch for those interested in environmental justice, social equality, and corporate accountability.