The red carpet was out Tuesday, November 12, in New York for the premiere of “Dark Waters,” the Todd Haynes-directed legal drama based on a true story about a Cincinnati corporate attorney (played by Mark Ruffalo) taking on an environmental lawsuit against a giant chemical company, exposing a lengthy history of pollution.
Film Cincinnati and local cast members were well represented, including Film Cincinnati Executive Director Kristen Schlotman. “There are moments in your life when you realize what you do matters,” she said. “Being in this room is one of those moments. Honored to be here!”
Also in New York for the premiere was Abi Van Andel, who plays a paralegal. “This was probably the largest opportunity that I’ve had since moving to the Ohio region about 10 or 11 years ago,” she said. “It was absolutely fantastic - it was a very long shoot and I came in probably around week seven and every single day was long but I was inspired by the leadership of Mark Ruffalo and Todd Haynes. There was an electricity in the air every day - and this was a very critical story to tell. It was an honor to be part of it.”
Joining the audience in New York was Denise Dal Vera who plays Sandra Tenant, whose family filed the lawsuit. “Up to this point it is the largest role I have ever been offered,” she said, “and I thank Film Cincinnati.”
The film, originally titled “Dry Run,” was shot last winter primarily in downtown Cincinnati, Hamilton and Colerain Township. It’s produced by Killer Films’ Christine Vachon, Pamela Koffler and Ruffalo.
“Dark Waters” also stars Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Pullman, Victor Garbor and Mare Winningham. The movie will have its Cincinnati premiere on Sunday, November 17th at the Esquire Theatre. It will have limited national release on Friday, November 22 and wider release the week after.