Watch Fukushima: A Nuclear Story

Fukushima: A Nuclear Story is a 2015 documentary film directed by Italian filmmaker Matteo Gagliardi. It tells the story of the catastrophic Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster that occurred in Japan in March 2011. The documentary starts by introducing us to the town of Futaba, located near the Fukushima Daiichi plant which houses six nuclear reactors. The residents of the town are shown going about their daily lives, unaware of the impending disaster that is about to hit them. However, on March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake and tsunami strike the region, causing one of the worst nuclear accidents in history.

The film takes a deep dive into the events that unfolded in the aftermath of the disaster. It shows how the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the Fukushima plant, struggled to contain the situation and prevent further damage. The documentary also highlights the human stories behind the disaster, including the heroic work of the plant workers and the tragic fates of the residents of Futaba.

The film features interviews with several key figures involved in the disaster, including former Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, who was in office when the earthquake and tsunami hit. Kan provides a firsthand account of the government's response to the disaster and their attempts to mitigate the damage caused by the nuclear meltdown.

In addition to Kan, the filmmaker interviews experts in the fields of nuclear energy and radiation, who provide context and insight into the technical aspects of the accident. The documentary also profiles some of the local activists who have been calling for greater transparency and accountability from TEPCO and the Japanese government.

One of the film's most compelling and emotionally charged sequences features the parents of a young girl who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer after the disaster. The parents believe that their daughter's illness was caused by the radiation exposure she experienced in the aftermath of the accident.

Over the course of the film, we see the devastating impact that the Fukushima disaster has had on the people and the environment. The documentary also exposes the political and economic forces that have hindered progress in rebuilding the region and providing justice for the victims.

Overall, Fukushima: A Nuclear Story is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on one of the most important events of our time. It is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the Fukushima disaster and its ongoing repercussions.