Watch Spanish Lake

Spanish Lake is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary film that exposes the deep-seated racial tensions and economic inequality that persist in the United States today. Directed by Phillip Andrew Morton, the film takes a critical look at the small town of Spanish Lake, Missouri, and how its residents have been affected by decades of discriminatory housing policies and economic decline.

The film begins by exploring the history of Spanish Lake, once a flourishing suburb of St. Louis that was home to a thriving middle-class community. However, in the 1960s, white residents began to flee as black families moved in, and the town soon became a symbol of the so-called "white flight" that characterized many American cities in the post-World War II era. Over time, the town's infrastructure deteriorated, businesses closed, and crime rates soared.

Spanish Lake then examines the controversial policies and practices that exacerbated the town's decline. Specifically, the film focuses on the federal government's housing policy, which encouraged the construction of suburban developments outside of urban centers. As a result, many white families were able to move to these newer, more affluent neighborhoods, while black families were largely confined to deteriorating inner-city areas like Spanish Lake.

The film also exposes the impact of racial prejudice on the town's residents. Through interviews with current and former residents, the film shows how many white residents viewed black families as undesirable neighbors, and how this attitude contributed to the town's decline. In addition, the film explores the impact of poverty on the town's youth, as many struggle to succeed in school and find meaningful employment opportunities.

Despite the bleak picture the film paints of Spanish Lake, it also highlights the resilience and determination of the town's residents. Whether through community organizing or individual efforts to improve their homes and neighborhoods, many residents refuse to give up on their town and their futures. The film also features interviews with experts and scholars who provide context and analysis for the complex issues facing Spanish Lake and other communities like it.

Overall, Spanish Lake is a deeply affecting and eye-opening film that offers a much-needed perspective on the ongoing struggle for racial and economic justice in America. By shining a light on the injustices and inequalities that persist in many communities, the film challenges viewers to join the fight for a more just and equitable society.

Spanish Lake is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.