No Umbrella: Election Day in the City 2006
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Laura Paglin
Directed by Laura Paglin
DVD, color, 26 min.
Jr. High - Adult
African American Studies, Political Science
Date Entered: 02/23/2007
Reviewed by Michael J. Coffta, Business Librarian, Bloomsburg University of PennsylvaniaThis is a forceful and unrepentant look at the disorder that took place in a poor Ohio voting district on Election Day 2004. No Umbrella brings us right in the middle of the frenzy caused by a lack of planning and insufficient voting stations to accommodate the mostly black voters. The title refers to the witty but pointed remark of Ms. Fannie Lewis, a councilwoman from the district, who stated in regards to the overwhelming turnout, “It is like we prayed for rain and did not bring an umbrella.”
This brief film shows how Lewis struggled throughout the day to get more equipment, communicate with government workers, and calm the irate voters. It has been justly recognized with a series of awards and comes highly recommended for audiences middle school and above, wishing to learn of the lack of planning and subsequent injustice and outrage on that day.
Awards
- Jury Award for Best Short, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
- Audience Award, Sydney Film Festival