In Savannah, Georgia, three years ago, filmmaker Patrick Longstreth stumbled upon an article detailing a forgotten piece of Georgia history: the tragic explosion at the Thiokol munitions plant in Woodbine. The blast, which occurred on Feb. 3, 1971, claimed the lives of 29 individuals, mostly Black women earning less than $2 an hour. Longstreth was struck by the historical significance of the event, tying it to key moments in American history like the Vietnam War, civil rights, and workers’ rights.
Fascinated by the untold stories of the Thiokol tragedy, Longstreth embarked on a journey to shed light on the survivors and families affected by the explosion. Collaborating with Jannie Everette, CEO of the Thiokol Memorial Project, Longstreth gathered extensive research, conducted interviews, and collected memorabilia to piece together the events leading up to the disaster. This partnership eventually led to the creation of a seven-part podcast series, “Tripwire,” in collaboration with the Savannah Morning News.
Supported by a Lavine Fellowship, Longstreth completed a documentary titled “The Day That Shook Georgia,” chronicling the aftermath of the Thiokol explosion. The film delves into the legal battles faced by the victims’ families, leading to the establishment of compensation formulas used in subsequent tragedies like the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster and 9/11.
Following its Georgia Public Broadcasting debut, “The Day That Shook Georgia” is set to reach a national audience through PBS’s Reel South. The documentary will be featured alongside another Vietnam-focused film, highlighting the impact of historical events on individuals and communities. Through the film, Longstreth aims to honor the memory of the 29 individuals who perished in the Thiokol explosion, advocating for their recognition and contributions on the homefront during the Vietnam War.
Longstreth’s exploration of the Thiokol tragedy reveals the challenges faced by survivors in seeking compensation and closure. The documentary sheds light on the inadequacies of worker’s compensation and the contentious process of uncovering the truth behind the explosion. As the film unfolds, viewers are exposed to the lasting impact of the disaster on the Woodbine community and the strides made in workplace safety regulations in its aftermath.
With plans to expand the documentary into a feature-length film and integrate the story into educational curriculums, Longstreth seeks to ensure that the legacy of the Thiokol explosion is not forgotten. Through screenings and events commemorating the victims, he hopes to promote healing and awareness of the sacrifices made by those affected by the tragedy.