In the Dark of the Valley (a film about the young mothers trying to protect their children from contamination from the site of one of America’s worst nuclear meltdowns, the Santa Susana Field Lab) won best documentary at the Phoenix Film Festival last weekend!

I was very thankful to be able to attend with my friend and cancer-mom Lauren Hammersly, along with the filmmakers Nicholas Mihm, Brandon Smith and Derek Smith. We were part of the Q&A sessions after each screening of the film and I was so encouraged by the feedback we got.

“I’m watching history in the making.”

“This film is really incredible.”

“You moms are heroes. Please don’t give up what you’re doing.”

“How can I help?”

During the award ceremony Nicholas, Brandon and Derek went down to the stage to accept the award. They mentioned that Lauren and I were in the audience. The rest of the audience gave us a standing ovation. I’ve never felt so honored in my life. Lauren and I hugged and cried.

The most amazing part is that each person who watched the film understands that the Santa Susana Field Lab cleanup has the potential to change the cleanup standards of toxic sites across America. It showed them the children who are harmed by greedy corporations and apathetic government agencies.  Their hearts were touched. 

That’s the power of this film, it’s creating real momentum. Will you help keep that momentum going? Even a small donation would help us to keep doing the hard work needed for the cleanup. 

Warmly,
Melissa Bumstead