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In September 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the U.S. Virgin Islands, leaving behind catastrophic damage that reshaped the lives of thousands. Among the hardest-hit were 43 public schools, displacing over 10,000 students and educators into temporary, deteriorating structures. Seven years later, not a single permanent school has been rebuilt.

What the Storms Taught Us, directed by John P. Wheatley, is a powerful documentary that captures the frustration, resilience, and determination of a community still fighting to recover. Filmed at the six-year mark, the film exposes the harsh realities of students learning in crumbling classrooms while billions in federal disaster relief funds remain tied up in bureaucratic red tape.

Through personal stories, intimate interviews, and stark visuals, What the Storms Taught Us is not just a film about natural disasters—it’s a story about systemic neglect, government accountability, and the enduring spirit of Virgin Islanders who refuse to be forgotten.

Produced in collaboration with Firelight Media as part of their “HOMEGROWN: A Part Of/Apart From” Fellowship, the film explores broader themes of cultural identity, sovereignty, and the complex relationship between U.S. territories and the mainland.