Trouble the Water 2008
"It's not about a hurricane. It's about America."
Directed by Carl Deal, *Trouble the Water* (2008) plunges viewers into the raw reality of Hurricane Katrina through the unfiltered lens of Kimberly Rivers Roberts, an aspiring musician documenting the unfolding crisis in New Orleans' Ninth Ward.
Director: Carl Deal
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trouble the Water (2008) about?
*Trouble the Water* (2008) offers an insider's look at Hurricane Katrina through the eyes of Kimberly Rivers Roberts, a Ninth Ward resident whose home video camera becomes a lifeline during the disaster. The film captures the struggle of neighbors trapped in rising floodwaters, blending personal survival with a stark critique of systemic neglect. It's less about the storm itself and more about the America it revealed.
Who directed Trouble the Water?
Carl Deal directed *Trouble the Water*, bringing a documentary filmmaker's precision to this harrowing first-person account of Katrina.
Who stars in Trouble the Water?
The documentary stars Kimberly Rivers Roberts, Scott Rogers, and features appearances by public figures like George W. Bush and Michael Brown, along with journalist Julie Chen and former New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin.
Is Trouble the Water (2008) worth watching?
*Trouble the Water* is a vital, emotionally charged documentary that earned widespread acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of Katrina's aftermath. Though unrated on IMDb, its storytelling and themes make it a must-see for fans of urgent, socially relevant cinema. The runtime of 93 minutes flies by, leaving a lasting impact.
How long is Trouble the Water?
*Trouble the Water* runs for 93 minutes, a tight, immersive runtime that heightens its emotional punch.
🎥 Trailer
About Trouble the Water (2008) — A raw, unfiltered documentary of Hurricane Katrina's human cost
Directed by Carl Deal, *Trouble the Water* (2008) plunges viewers into the raw reality of Hurricane Katrina through the unfiltered lens of Kimberly Rivers Roberts, an aspiring musician documenting the unfolding crisis in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. Far from the tourist's version of the city, this gripping documentary captures the desperation and resilience of neighbors trapped just blocks from the French Quarter as the storm's devastation unfolds. Blending intimate vérité footage with urgent storytelling, the film transforms personal survival into a powerful critique of America's systemic failures. With a heartbeat-like intensity, it's less about the hurricane itself and more about the fractured nation it exposed.
At its core, *Trouble the Water* is a testament to human endurance, framed by Roberts' raw, first-person narrative and the stark contrasts of a city under siege. The film's vérité style immerses you in the chaos, while its unflinching lens forces a reckoning with the aftermath. From the floodwaters to the political fallout, it's a story of survival that lingers long after the credits roll.