Floodplain

About This Project

Summary

GAVA and TÁPI Studios produced this short documentary to share three residents’ memories of surviving the catastrophic 2013 flood in Onion Creek that destroyed a once-thriving community in Austin, Texas. Informed by a community advisory group, local technical experts, and climate justice leaders across the region over the course of three years, Floodplain is both a remembrance and call to action: to learn from history as we mobilize climate justice efforts to prevent future flooding disasters.

Goals & Objectives

1) Thoroughly share the lived experience of community members and the legacy of the neighborhood 2) Recognize environmental racism in city planning 3) Produce a film that resonates and supports organizing efforts in Southeast Austin and across other communities facing flooding issues

Results & Impact

In August 2023 we hosted a community screening with residents and city staff for collective healing, launching a campaign for fundraising, advocacy, and action. Future screenings are planned for this fall. The film has been at seven film festivals, winning the Audience Award at Cine Las Americas.