Chowchilla
Chowchilla

Movie spotlight

Chowchilla

2019
Movie
17 min
English

A brother and sister decide to sell their family farm but things go awry when a bag of money shows up on the front doorstep.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Paul Statman, Naysayers CollectiveGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the infamous 1976 Chowchilla school bus kidnapping, where 26 children and their driver were buried alive in a quarry. It explores the psychological impact on the victims and the community, and examines the motivations and aftermath of the crime.

Critical Reception

Chowchilla received positive reviews, with critics often highlighting its sensitive and thorough approach to a traumatic event. The film was praised for giving a voice to the survivors and for its detailed examination of the kidnapping and its lasting effects.

What Reviewers Say

  • The documentary offers a deeply moving and unflinching look at a harrowing historical event.

  • It is commended for its respectful portrayal of the survivors and their resilience.

  • The film effectively captures the long-term psychological toll of the kidnapping.

Google audience: Information not available.

Fun Fact

The film features interviews with several of the former hostages, including one who describes the experience of being buried alive as 'something you never get over.'

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