Toxic Hot Seat

Name: Toxic Hot Seat
Director: James Redford
Released: 2013

James Redford 2013

Chemical flame retardants are everywhere. Our furniture. Our homes. Our bodies. But do they work as promised? And are they making us sick?
The three chemical companies producing flame retardants would prefer that we not ask these questions, and they’ve spent millions of dollars on lobbyists, publicists and influencers to ensure that we don’t. Through the personal stories of a cancer-surviving firefighter, a renowned chemist, and a determined young Maine legislator, TOXIC HOT SEAT reveals the courage of brave citizens willing to fight for the truth against a shadowy nexus of money and politics.

Add to Playlist

Add Bookmark

Bookmark List

Play Trailer

Running Time:

91 min.

Spoken Languages:

English

Directors:

James Redford

Producers:

James Redford, Kirby Walker

Investigative Journalism

Press

CineSource Magazine

"TOXIC HOT SEAT is environmental filmmaking at its pinnacle—revealing, horrifying, infuriating, compelling, and hopeful."
Slate Magazine

"Will certainly make you rethink your next big furniture purchase."

Kristin Hohenadel
The Hollywood Reporter

"A damning look at the effect of money on democracy"

THR Staff
The Huffington Post

"Interweaves the multiple narratives of investigative reporters, scientists, lawmakers and community activists as they fight for transparency around a 1975 law."

Marcia Yerman

Festival Participation

Doc NYC - 2013
Mendocino Film Festival - 2013
Mill Valley Film Festival - 2013
Sedona International Film Festival - 2014
One Earth Film Festival - 2014
Napa Valley Film Festival - 2014
Sun Valley Film Festival - 2014

Additional Materials

Distribution Company

Back to Film Summary

This Week’s Featured Films

An investigative journalist uncovers the money, influence, and alarming rationale behind covert efforts to control the most vital resource on the planet in the latest exposé from filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite (Blackfish)
The road to eliminating poverty begins with her
Israel's military service is questioned through the experiences of young Israelis struggling with enlistment pressures. Innocence uncovers the personal cost of conforming, with lost lives and haunting diaries illustrating the impact of military duty on young souls.
BUTTERFLY IN THE SKY tells the story of the beloved PBS children’s series “Reading Rainbow,” its iconic host LeVar Burton, and the challenges its creators faced in cultivating a love of reading through television.
How did we come to this moment, where free speech issues have never felt more complicated and urgent, and where the nation is wondering a new: what price are we willing to pay for free speech?
Let us tell you a story about the boundary pushers who shape souls and give children strange dreams. The stars of STORY & PICTURES BY are picture book creators changing the narrative for the next generation, even when their own lives are not fairytales.
A political thriller that that goes inside the U.S. fundamentalist Evangelicals, revealing their power and influence on U.S. foreign policy, as they aim to fulfill the Armageddon prophecy and ultimately destroy our civilization
A one-hour documentary that delves into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the birth of a new movement to treat and prevent toxic stress
Generation Growth tells the story of Green Bronx Machine and its founder, Stephen Ritz, as they grow high performing public schools, happy & healthy children, empowered teachers, and equitable, resilient communities across the nation.