Business of Disaster Poster

Business of Disaster 2016

53 min📅 2016-05-24

Business of Disaster (2016) pulls back the curtain on the murky world of post-calamity profiteering in this hard-hitting documentary by director Rick Young.

Director: Rick Young

Cast

Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg
Self - NYC Mayor
Diane Camerada
Self - Staten Island Resident
Nick Camerada
Self - Staten Island Resident
David Charles
Self - Flood Insurance Adjuster
Lester Holt
Lester Holt
Self - NBC Reporter
Will Lyman
Will Lyman
Narrator (voice)
Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Self - US President (archive footage)
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Self - US President (archive footage)
Laura Sullivan
Self - Correspondent
Dana Tyler
Dana Tyler
Self - CBS Reporter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Business of Disaster (2016) about?

The documentary examines the financial ecosystem that emerged after Superstorm Sandy, focusing on the slow recovery of displaced families and the agencies—both public and private—that played a role in the process. It investigates who benefited most from the disaster response and why many victims remained without homes years later.

Who directed Business of Disaster?

Rick Young directed the film, bringing a journalistic lens to the documentary's investigation into post-disaster profiteering.

Who stars in Business of Disaster?

The documentary features commentary from notable journalists including Lester Holt and Will Lyman, alongside insights from figures like Michael Bloomberg and individuals directly impacted by Superstorm Sandy.

Is Business of Disaster (2016) worth watching?

Given its sharp critique of disaster capitalism and the compelling storytelling, Business of Disaster is worth watching for fans of investigative docs. Its concise 53-minute runtime and focus on real-world consequences make it engaging, even if you're unfamiliar with the topic.

How long is Business of Disaster?

The film runs for 53 minutes.

Business of Disaster (2016): Who Really Profits from Tragedy — Full Film Details

Business of Disaster (2016) pulls back the curtain on the murky world of post-calamity profiteering in this hard-hitting documentary by director Rick Young. Following Superstorm Sandy's devastating wake, the film dissects the slow, painful recovery of displaced families and questions the motives of the agencies tasked with rebuilding their lives. Through sharp investigative journalism, it exposes the financial machinations behind disaster response, revealing how corporations and contractors capitalized on tragedy while thousands remained stranded in bureaucratic limbo. The documentary blends somber first-person accounts with incisive analysis, creating an atmosphere of unsettling clarity about who truly benefits from catastrophe.

Directed with precision and anchored by the voices of media stalwarts like Lester Holt and Will Lyman, Business of Disaster transforms dry policy critique into an urgent human story. It's less about the storm itself and more about the system that exploits its aftermath. With a runtime of just 53 minutes, the film delivers a dense, thought-provoking punch, leaving viewers to ponder the ethical cost of rebuilding—or not—after disaster strikes.