Better living through chemistry? The question burns at the center of this fascinating and timely documentary from filmmakers James Redford and Kirby Walker. An intense examination of the decades-old conflict between fire safety and toxic flame retardants, Toxic Hot Seat features insights from scientists, journalists, politicians and San Francisco firefighters to paint a detailed picture of the debate. Do flame retardants really save lives? What are the side effects of the chemicals in these products? And who reaps the profits in this five billion-dollar industry as virtually every piece of furniture and most baby-care products sold in the US now contain these chemicals? Redford’s and Walker’s straightforward style lets the facts do the talking as he unveils the political and economic motivations underneath a truly incendiary debate. Disturbing and riveting, Toxic Hot Seat is a hard-hitting investigation that will change the way you look at your livingroom furniture.—Brendan Peterson | PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH SF FIREFIGHTERS CANCER PREVENTION PROGRAM

Director Information

James Redford writes, produces and directs for film and television. His latest directorial project, Aces, is a documentary film that explores the emerging link between childhood trauma and life-long health problems – and what can be done about it. He directed The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia currently airing on HBO.  Kirby Walker is an award-winning independent film and video producer. She worked for CBS News in New York, and left to do graduate work in communications at Stanford University, where she received her MA in Communication in 1982.

Kirby Walker is an award-winning independent film and video producer. She worked for CBS News in New York before leaving to do graduate work in communications at Stanford University, where she received her MA in 1982.