Between Two Rivers shines a spotlight on Cairo, Illinois, a historic town with a dark and troubled past, located between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, where North meets South in America’s heartland.

The film offers a remarkable insight into a community struggling with severe economic, social, and environmental pressures. The city’s tumultuous past serves as an undercurrent to the latest community crisis: the record-breaking floods of spring 2011, when the rising rivers threatened to destroy the town.

With lyrical and striking contrasts between the past and present, the film explores the factors that have led to the city's rise and fall, from booming river trade and juke joints to mob lynchings and race riots which tore apart the community. Once renowned for its wealth and fine architecture, Cairo today has countless derelict homes, abandoned businesses, and empty lots, which nature is steadily reclaiming.

Researched and filmed over a four-year period, the film combines original cinematography and candid interviews with archival footage, unseen for more than 40 years, capturing the town at the height of explosive racial tensions in the late 1960s. Between Two Rivers illustrates the long-term impact of the violent civil unrest, economic boycotts, curfews, and martial law that so deeply divided the community.

From the vivid childhood recollections of a car salesman to the emotive music of a local soul guitarist, individuals share their feelings, insights, and experiences of life in Cairo, and their hopes for a better future. The residents' hope and resolve to keep their city alive is belied by a mix of nostalgia and fatalism, as Cairo’s once-thriving downtown district is gradually demolished and the population steadily declines.

At a time when national governments are reeling from the effects of a global financial crisis, Between Two Rivers reveals the stark effects of economic inequalities, environmental disasters, and social injustice, as experienced by the people of one beleaguered town caught between two mighty rivers.

"By far the most balanced and comprehensive coverage about Cairo and its place in American history. . . Contributed to the understanding of an important part of the issue of racial prejudice and the demise of an American city.”
‒Glenn Poshard, President, Southern Illinois University

"Stunning. . . Incredibly well shot. . . Between Two Rivers is hauntingly beautiful. . . A wonderful film."
‒Ralph Arlyck, director of Following Sean

"Between Two Rivers is a remarkable attempt to resuscitate Cairo; to unveil its dark past and shed light upon its uncertain present. . . Throws into sharp relief a powerful history, thanks only to the compelling wit, curiosity and insight of its makers. Visually mesmerizing. ★★★★★"
‒Pulp

Captivating. . . Identifies the history of racism in the area without being exploitative. . . Strikingly captured by Cartwright and Jordan's cinematography. . . weaving the stories together at a crucial, historical pressure point, smack dab in the middle of America. ★★★★★"
‒Ecstatic Film

"The documentary succeeds admirably. . . The core visuals of the film are beautifully composed. . . A compelling watch that I would easily recommend due to its even handed approach, strong presentation and open, heartfelt interviews. ★★★★"
‒Blueprint

Winner, Best Film & Audience Choice Award, Big Muddy Film Festival ,2012
Winner, Best Film, River's Edge International Film Festival, 2012

Additional Screenings
American Film Festival, Poland, 2012
Kansas International Film Festival, 2012
London Short Film Festival, United Kingdom, 2013
Long Island International Film Festival, 2012
Louisville International Film Festival, 2012
Memphis International Film Festival, 2012
St Louis International Film Festival, 2012
Washington DC Independent Film Festival, 2013
Zaragoza Environmental Film Festival, Spain, 2012