

Movie spotlight
Storm Lake
A dogged family-run paper in Iowa gives citizens the scoop on forces threatening to overwhelm their precarious small-town existence.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary follows the Steinkamp family, who have owned and operated The Storm Lake Times, a small-town newspaper in Iowa, for over three decades. Facing the immense challenges of the digital age and the changing media landscape, the film explores their dedication to local journalism and its vital role in their community. It highlights their struggles and triumphs as they strive to keep their family business, and the spirit of independent news, alive.
Critical Reception
Storm Lake has been recognized for its poignant portrayal of the challenges facing local journalism in America. Critics have lauded its heartfelt depiction of the Steinkamp family's commitment and the essential function of their newspaper in the community. The film offers a timely and often moving look at the pressures of maintaining a small, independent publication in the face of overwhelming economic and technological shifts.
What Reviewers Say
A compelling and timely documentary about the fight for local journalism.
Praised for its intimate look at a family's dedication to their community newspaper.
Highlights the essential role of small-town news in preserving democracy and community identity.
Google audience: Audiences largely praise 'Storm Lake' for its genuine and inspiring story about a family's commitment to local journalism. Many viewers found the film to be a touching and important reminder of the value of small-town newspapers and the dedication required to keep them afloat.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2021 Critics Choice Documentary Awards.
Fun Fact
The Steinkamp family, featured in the documentary, won a Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing in 2019 for their work at The Storm Lake Times.
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