River's End: California's Latest Water War
| River's End: California's Latest Water War | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jacob Morrison |
| Written by | Jacob Morrison |
| Produced by | Kurt S. Kittleson
Sam Furie Jacob Morrison |
| Starring | DeLanna Studi (narrator) |
| Cinematography | Benjamin Fischinger |
| Edited by | Jacob Morrison |
| Music by | Jonny Bell |
| Distributed by | Giant Pictures |
Release date | November 2, 2021 |
Running time | 81 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
River's End: California's Latest Water War is a 2021 American documentary film written and directed by Jacob Morrison. It follows the competition over California's limited water resources amid worsening droughts, as well as the decline of freshwater ecosystems in the California Delta. The documentary draws parallels to the California water wars featured in the 1974 film Chinatown.
The film had its world premiere at the 2021 Wild & Scenic Film Festival on January 14, 2021, where it won the Jury Award and People's Choice Award.[1] It then played at the International Wildlife Film Festival where it won its category.[2] It was released on video on demand by Giant Pictures on November 2, 2021.[3] It received acclaim from critics, with praise for its story, interviews, cinematography, animation, and subject matter.[4][5][6]
Plot[edit]
The film explores the struggle over California's limited freshwater resources during recent periods of drought, with particular focus on the expansion of almond groves in the Westlands Water District. The film explores the connection between increased water use for agriculture, and the decline of freshwater ecosystems in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. The documentary also draws parallels between the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct during the historic California water wars, and the now proposed conveyance tunnels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.[7]
Cast[edit]
- Narrated by DeLanna Studi
- Subjects include (but are not limited to):
Reception[edit]
The film received positive reviews from critics. Film Threat gave the film a 9/10 rating, writing that River's End "…effectively uses beautiful scenic photography, well-executed interviews, archival footage, and helpful animation."[8] New Scientist also praised the film, stating that "River’s End provides a thorough overview of California’s water issues and the need to achieve a sustainable water supply."[9] Counterpunch wrote, " I urge you to see this timely, very important, indeed, great film: River’s End."[10] National Observer (Canada) gave the film a positive review, writing, "This is a documentary with a bite... anybody who buys produce from California, basically, most of us, should be interested."[11] The film was included in several end-of-year lists as one of the best environmental films of 2021.[12][13][14]
References[edit]
- ^ "River's End: California's Latest Water War". Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ "2021 Festival Awards • International Wildlife Film Festival". International Wildlife Film Festival. 2021-05-01. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ "Giant Pictures Sets Digital Release Dates for Doc on Global Water Crisis – Media Play News". 28 September 2021. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ says, River’s End: California’s Latest Water War-Water News Hub (2021-11-27). "River's End: California's Latest Water War | Film Threat". Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ #author.fullName}. "River's End review: Inside the battle for California's water". New Scientist. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Every Californian Should Be Talking About This Must-See Documentary". InsideHook. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ #author.fullName}. "River's End review: Inside the battle for California's water". New Scientist. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ says, River’s End: California’s Latest Water War-Water News Hub (2021-11-27). "River's End: California's Latest Water War | Film Threat". Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ #author.fullName}. "River's End review: Inside the battle for California's water". New Scientist. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Get Me Water First". CounterPunch.org. 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ Reviews, Volkmar Richter |; Culture; November 4th 2021, Vancouver culture | (2021-11-04). "Movies: Eternals big with fans, Red Notice a fun surprise, and Diana done right". Canada's National Observer. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "These Environmental Docs and Movies Made Serious Waves in 2021". Green Matters. 2021-12-24. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ "6 Must-See Environmental Films From 2021". EcoWatch. 2022-01-13. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ "Cinema Without Cinemas: Watching Movies in 2021". CounterPunch.org. 2021-12-27. Retrieved 2022-01-29.