Educational Media Reviews Online

Hiding in the Walls is a thought-provoking examination of a health/societal issue many may have incorrectly assumed was no longer a problem, even in the wake of the Flint, Michigan water contamination crisis. The dangers to children from lead paint, particularly in lower income and inner-city areas with older, deteriorating housing, was known even from the early 20th century by the paint companies who continued to promote the product for many years even as the government actively supported the use of lead paint for housing projects.

This film incorporates vintage advertising, government warnings, and educational clips along with expert and firsthand testimony from people affected by lead poisoning to craft a broad view of the problem as well as potential solutions. A central theme is that of inexcusable indifference from corporations, government and society at large, as clearly outlined by a wide range of experts. But even more impressive are the testimonies of the individuals affected by exposure to lead in their childhoods. They collectively demonstrate the adverse effects of this exposure on the course of their lives while defying the stereotype in many cases. In fact, one of the producers of this notable documentary is a college professor and a survivor herself, who decries the stigma surrounding those affected. This film is highly recommended for general adult audiences.

Awards:
Official Selection: Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival, Black Girls Rock! Film Festival, Maryland International Film Festival, Columbia Film Festival, Social and Economic Justice Film Festival

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