Story

 

Episodes

Veins of the Earth – Early Native American Settlers

Many Native American Tribes believe that water is the life-blood of mother earth, a harmony that should not be broken. The first episode of the series shows the contrast between today and our past by telling how the Native Americans created roots and established communities at the head of the Colorado River, located in the Rocky Mountains. Through their stories, rituals and dances, we illuminate the unique physical and spiritual relationship they have with the river, a balance that was once primordial to our lifestyle.

West meets East

Lights on. Post-Industrial Revolution, white steam is seen in the deserted landscape signalizing a fast moving train loaded with new settlers.  In this episode we explore the shift in the paradigm between humanity and nature. We see the results of the new mentality powered by the needs of a rising modern lifestyle. Moving down the River and forward in time we study the history of the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam and the Hoover Dam, as well as their respective reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Their social and environmental impacts are being revealed as a game-changing moment in the relationship between humanity and nature.

Metropolis

Bigger and faster. The structures built in the River allowed an explosive growth in population. Fast growing cities means fast moving needs. In this part of the series we analyze the escalation of water consumption in the modern Metropolitan cities, from agriculture, to industry and personal use. The focus is on the history of Los Angeles, made possible by the erection of the Colorado Aqueduct, and Las Vegas, watered by the manmade Lake Powell, as well as the challenges of creating sustainable cities in an increasingly individualistic and consumeristic society. Can our progress be balanced with the needs of the environment?

The River Ends

From greens to mud, from plentiful to scarce. This episode is a physical exposition of the deterioration of the Colorado River Delta in the Gulf of California. The River that once flowed freely to the ocean now dries out before reaching its natural destiny. In a metaphorical speculation of the future, we’re tracing the connection between the end of the river and the ticking clock of a need for solutions. The efforts and possibilities of restoring the natural balance, allowing the River to resume its course is investigated through a series of initiatives from organizations dedicated to this cause.

Sea of Possibilities

Our time could be drying out… Our final episode sheds light on the quest for a more sustainable lifestyle. It re-introduces ancient Native lessons and relates them to the modern approach and needs, further proving our ability to create harmony between humanity and nature. Through personal depositions and life stories, we personify the increasingly popular trend for healthy, happy and meaningful lives according to the well being of the planet as a whole.