A: Ramona Pearson is a dynamic and competent woman in a very complicated situation. In addition to working as the emergency financial manager, she continued to work as a corporate accountant. So she really had her hands full, which is why she hired a consulting team to help out. What I witnessed over time was an increasing communication gap between her team, the residents, and the workers.
Q: What has happened to Highland Park’s water privatization problem since the making of this film? Has anything changed now that a new consultant has been hired?
A: The water plant has not been privatized, but the workers are really struggling with inadequate staff and funding. Losing Gloria was a tragedy for the water plant because she took care of that plant as if it were her own. Residents are still trying to get their water bills off of their property tax statements and Detroit has just implemented the same measure …
Q: What was the biggest challenge in making this film?
A: The challenges were many. The situation was complex and trying to do it justice was a challenge. Also, I had very, very little funding to make the film so it took a long time and a lot of favors. The positive side of this is that so many people got involved and helped out and I am incredibly grateful for that.
Q: Who has inspired or informed your documentary filmmaking? Are there particular challenges you’ve encountered as a woman making doc films?
A: Kim Longimotto is an inspiration. In her work, you feel the intimacy of the camera and her respect for everyone she brings into the frame. And she finds the most amazing female protagonists. Challenges as a woman in making films …. for every challenge there is also the advantage—mine are editing, and economics!
