Privatization of the Waterfront

Project Lead

When Liz Miller was filming The Water Front documentary (2004 – 2009) about a struggle over water privatization in Highland Park, Michigan, she met Curt Smith, a long-time resident and a former city employee. Curt had gained the respect of the diverse groups involved in the local conflict. Curt was an “insider” but someone who was not embroiled in the conflict. Liz was not from Highland Park and invited Curt to become an associate producer of the film so that the film would help promote dialogue instead of fanning the flames of the existing conflict. As a result of role as associate producer, Curt then went on to become the primary organizer in film distribution and outreach efforts.

Watch the trailer for The Water Front