8-27-2023 9:10pm

Reviewing The Documentary "DOWNWIND"

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

This documentary, titled "Downwind," chronicles the aftermath of the 928 nuclear weapons detonated in Mercury, Nevada between 1951 and 1992. The film features members of the Shoshone Nation and those impacted by the radioactive fallout. Narrated by Martin Sheen. Downwind premiered on August 18, in theaters and on Video On Demand.

The film portrays the devastating effects of nuclear testing on people's lives, including illnesses, tensions, and disruptions. It also highlights the stories of "downwinders" such as Mary Dickson, Claudia Peterson, and Ian Zabarte who live in the path of radioactive fallout. The Nevada Test Site, which is roughly the size of Rhode Island, sits on Shoshone land, by treaty, yet it remains occupied, restricted, and operational.

Over 41 years, Nevada conducted 100 above-ground atomic bomb tests using airplanes, towers, cannons, and balloons. They also conducted 828 underground tests, including Boxcar, which was a 1.3-megaton blast with an equivalent yield of 65 Hiroshima bombs.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Shapiro, co-director and producer of DOWNWIND. He not only cares about the physical and mental welfare of people who suffered from the fallout but also the future. To get this film made, he and everyone involved in making Downwind put their heart and soul into it.

Mark said "Our hope is that it’s educational and also inspiring. And to shine a light on those impacted in the wake of Oppenheimer. "Mark has toured the actual site of the fallout in Nevada Our conversation led me on a journey of discovery, these incidents also occurred in Utah, I have had homes in both of these beautiful states. I looking forward to seeing what Mark has planned for the future of filmmaking. Mark Shapiro is known for Downwind (2023), Kubo and the Two Strings (2016), and ParaNorman (2012).

Downwind is available on VOD platforms including iTunes, Amazon, Comcast, Cox, Frontier, Fios, Cox, Shaw, Rogers, Bell, VUDU, Redbox, YouTube, Google, and more. To rent on iTunes visit https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/downwind/umc.cmc.z5p0194bz3o5cxrpuscbneir.
Check out the website: www.backlotdocs.com for additional information.
"You should add Downwind to your list of movies to watch. It's guaranteed to provoke deep thoughts and touch your soul,"- Anita Johnson-Brown.

By Anita Johnson-Brown