Welcome to Independent Lens.
I'm Pete Schwaba, host of
PBS Wisconsin's Director's Cut.
In 1995, the city of Chicago
suffered the worst heat disaster in U.S. history
when 739, primarily black and elderly residents,
died within the course of one week.
Tonight's film, "Cooked: Survival by Zip Code"
uses this tragedy in the Windy City's history
as a jumping off point
as it explores other weather-related catastrophes,
such as hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.
Director Judith Helfand narrates the film
as she explores the politics of disaster.
In past projects, Helfand has tackled
toxic chemical exposure and climate change.
In "Cooked," she mixes her storytelling abilities
with those of Eric Klinenberg, whose book
HEAT WAVE: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago
was the inspiration for the film.
In telling this story, Helfand says she is challenging herself
and others to respond to manmade disasters
like poverty and social isolation
that are evident every day,
before the next natural disaster strikes.
Hefland's films have premiered on
Sundance, HBO, and here on PBS.
She is Emmy-nominated and took home a Peabody Award
for her film "A Healthy Baby Girl."
What makes Helfand so successful is her ability to take serious subjects,
like environmental justice or corporate greed,
and make them highly entertaining by using her quirky sense of humor.
"Cooked: Survival by Zip Code" starts now on PBS Wisconsin,
your home for independent film.