About

THE film

Since the Spill is a documentary that delves into the heart-wrenching stories of individuals residing along the Gulf Coast of Mexico, whose lives have been irrevocably altered by the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010. This environmental disaster not only wreaked havoc on the marine ecosystem but also caused profound disruptions in the lives of millions of people who depend on the Gulf for their livelihoods, culture, and sustenance. The film explores the extensive and enduring impact of the spill, highlighting the stark contrast in the aftermath faced by those affected in the United States versus the residents of Mexico.

In the United States, the fallout from the spill led to a multi-billion-dollar settlement, providing compensation for many whose lives and health had been severely impacted. This legal resolution brought some measure of relief to the affected communities, acknowledging the extensive damage and offering financial support to help mitigate the disaster's effects. However, the narrative takes a different turn when shifting focus to Mexico, where the people received no such compensation or support. The documentary shines a light on this disparity, presenting a poignant account of the Mexican communities that were left to fend for themselves in the wake of such a monumental environmental crisis. This documentary not only serves as a testament to the human spirit but also as a critical commentary on the broader implications of environmental disasters on marginalized communities. It underscores the need for accountability, equitable compensation, and proactive measures to prevent future catastrophes.

Festivals, Screenings & Accolades

Official Selection - International Ocean Film Festival

Best Story - Environmental Film & Screenplay Festival

Award of Excellence - Documentaries Without Borders

Official Selection - New York Lift Off Film Festival (Summer 2024)

Official Selection - Trees & Sees Film Festival (Summer 2024)

Official Selection - World Water Film Festival (Fall 2024)

Featured Screening Events - World Water Day Exhibition at London Museum of Water & Steam, Hunter College, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

THE Director

Declan Lighthouse, a Documentary filmmaker based in Brooklyn, New York, has been immersed in the film industry since the summer of 2021, following his graduation from DePaul University in Chicago with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Film and Television Production.

During his college years, Declan found himself at a crossroads, torn between his lifelong passion for cinema and an initial inclination towards a legal career. It was in this period of exploration that he discovered his true calling in storytelling. Engaging in early-professional pursuits with a class-action law firm, involvement in a state representative's election campaign, and dedication to a grassroots police-accountability advocacy group, Declan became intimately connected with the narratives of injustice. Conversations with plaintiffs, concerned citizens, and victims of systemic inequities led him to a profound realization: the universal desire for one's story to be heard.

Subsequently, Declan channeled his energies into the world of documentary filmmaking, dedicating himself to mastering the craft. In a span of just over two years, he has contributed to documentary content for renowned networks and production companies, including HBO, Vice, Radical Media, Vox, PBS, and currently ABC Investigative News, where he serves as a Camera Department Associate for long-form documentary projects.

Looking forward, Declan is on the brink of unveiling his debut documentary short, "Since the Spill." This project, crafted over nearly two years, showcases his multifaceted skills as the Director, Cinematographer, and Editor. As he continues to delve into the intricacies of storytelling through the lens of a camera, Declan remains committed to amplifying the voices of those whose stories deserve to be heard.