One of the most diverse rivers in the United States, the Eel, ran dry in 2014—for the first time in history. Once victimized by logging, damming, and drought, the Eel faced new challenges in the new century from some of California’s favorite commodities: wine and weed. This urgent and compelling documentary makes a renewed case for regulation and collaboration in protecting this vital resource. The story as told offers as many twists as the river itself (such as Ronald Reagan coming to the region’s rescue to prevent a dam from being built). The panoramic photography of devastation and re-growth is spellbinding. Historical footage and newspaper clippings testify to the generational cycles of damage and repair to the Eel. Just as the salmon, who at points lost 99% of their historical population, keep bouncing back, solutions keep emerging fresh from stakeholders who stubbornly back their optimism with action.
IN PERSON: Director Shane Anderson; Producers Jason Hartwick, Jeff Thompson
Preceded by PLANT US 2017, 23 min, Directors David Zlutnick, Flavia Cassani
IN PERSON: Directors Flavia Cassani, David Zlutnick; Film Subjects Guthridge Family
Thank you to our community partner
San Francisco Green Film Festival.