At a time when many world leaders and climate activists are in Glasgow, Scotland for COP26, a climate summit, it seems fitting that a film like this is out there. Jacob Morrison’s documentary is his feature film debut and it is one that demonstrates his passion for the subject and thoroughness as a documentary filmmaker. Morrison is a Southern California native so it makes sense that he uses the area/state he knows well to illustrate the issues, which are probably happening worldwide, in regards to water.
River’s End looks at the global water crisis. California is the example used. How water has become the focal point within the world of politics. We learn how politics and the bending by politicians to the will of powerful corporations who invest in industrial agriculture has occurred and continues to happen. What it has led to is the emptying of the water in the Owens Valley by Los Angeles. This is illustrated in the Hollywood film Chinatown.
The film challenges us to try to be aware of where our water comes from. This knowledge will aid in the saving of the rivers, valleys and other bodies of water on the planet before a true crisis occurs. Water is essential to all forms of life on the planet – human and otherwise. The entire ecosystems of where water exists also depends on it. As Owen Valley illustrates.
The struggle here is real. Illustrating that there is a battle over who has access to water. Like many other things in our capitalist society, those with money wield the power. Average folks will soon have less and less access to what water there is and this issue will become direr as water supplies are drained. Not just in California but around the world.
The documentary should not only be of interest to a niche group of climate-aware people, but all of us as life itself depends on water and our conservation of what we have. Watching here you cannot help but be amazed at the visuals. Many parts of this planet are beautiful and yet we don’t honour it. Instead, we abuse it and strip it of the natural resource it supplies us with. All in the name of the pursuit of money and power. The issue here is made very clear and personal.
River’s End is available to rent on Apple TV, iTunes and Google Play.