Interstate Documentary Reveals Unseen Damages to African American Communities by Highway Systems

Documentary Overview

Interstate is a riveting documentary co-directed by two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Oscar Corral and Haleem Muhsin. Set to debut at the 2025 Miami Film Festival, this film provides a gripping examination of the disastrous impact that the U.S. Interstate Highway System has had on African American communities. The documentary sheds light on how the creation of this extensive highway network, initiated in the 1950s under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, resulted in the fragmentation and destruction of vibrant Black neighborhoods.

The Roots of the Issue

Launched as a $51 billion project with the vision of economic prosperity and nationwide connectivity, the Interstate Highway System promised progress. However, the reality for many minority communities was starkly different. The film traces the historical evolution of this highway network and its detrimental effects, revealing that highways often cut through thriving African American neighborhoods, displacing families and erasing cultural landmarks.

Oscar Corral states, "Our project initially focused on the impact of I-95 on Miami's Overtown neighborhood. However, as we conducted our research, it became evident that this struggle was not unique to Miami."

The documentary uncovers similar stories from cities across the nation, including New Orleans, Minneapolis, Baltimore, and Montgomery, where attempts to facilitate urban growth often resulted in the systematic dismantling of established Black communities. The consequences, as outlined in the film, extend far beyond physical displacement; they include socio-economic marginalization that persists to this day.

Personal Stories and Testimonies

Through compelling narratives and personal accounts, Interstate aims to provoke viewers to rethink the notion of progress. Haleem Muhsin, who grew up witnessing the changes in Overtown, reflects on the loss of cultural heritage saying, "Much of the neighborhood's rich history was lost due to misguided policies. This documentary not only conveys what communities like Overtown have endured, but it also highlights what is still at stake today."

The film features testimonials from prominent civic leaders like former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, further emphasizing the urgent need to acknowledge and address past injustices. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, who supports the film, calls it an important chapter in shared history, urging for collective reflection and action.

Community Engagement and Future Conversation

Interstate is more than just a documentary; it is a catalyst for conversation. The filmmakers hope to spark discussions around the ongoing disparities facing Black communities in urban settings, asking audiences to consider how we can confront these legacies today. By highlighting these injustices, the film seeks to empower those affected and bring their experiences to a broader audience.

As the documentary prepares for its release on April 4, 2025, at the Silverspot Cinema in Downtown Miami, viewers are encouraged to engage with the material, reflect on their implications, and join the movement toward a more equitable future. "We need to amplify the voices of those disrupted by this infamous system," Commissioner Higgins stated.

Interstate promises to be a pivotal film in understanding America's complex history with infrastructure and race, and its implications for future urban planning and social justice movements.