Summer flow at the Russian River
Coho salmon in the Russian River
Kayaks in the Russian River estuary
ABOUT THE FILM
THE RUSSIAN RIVER: ALL RIVERS – The Value of An American Watershed explores the diverse forces which have come to shape one of California's iconic rivers — forces which impact rivers and watersheds throughout the world. It examines how the Russian River has been used, and what the consequences of that use have been. By looking at the effects of mining, logging, fishing, agriculture, diversion and development, the film conveys a historical perspective for the river's condition. Scientists, educators, policy makers, activists and citizens offer their perspectives on how this resource has been used and managed.
Beyond examining its exploitation as a resource, the film revels in the watershed's profound, often forgotten, beauty. What can we learn from it? Why are we drawn to it?
As we consider the policies and actions which have shaped the watershed, the film looks to the future by offering solutions and implores viewers to offer their own. What do we need to change in ourselves to again live in balance with this life-sustaining resource?
THE FILMMAKERS' JOURNEY
This non-profit project was produced, written and directed by residents of Sonoma County who like most everyone on our planet, depend on a watershed to live.
Working on promotional material for the wine industry, they found themselves in a good position to observe how much the watershed was giving up to the many forms of development to which it was subject. The more they learned, the more they felt personally responsible. They grew hungry for information that would explain how a once thriving, cool, clear home to fish and other wildlife had become a resource in crisis. They soon discovered how difficult it was for residents within the watershed to find accessible information and how little had been done to share it. They found, while efforts were being made to map and understand the watershed's limits, the results might come too late.
They wanted to know why there hadn't been greater foresight. The looming problems seemed so obvious.
Seeking perspective, they shot interviews and watershed footage in California, Oregon and Canada, discovering from experts and other concerned citizens that the bounty the watershed offered had become so valuable, so contested, that its very nature had become obscured by controversy and complexity, natural and manufactured.
It is the filmmakers' hope that people living in watersheds everywhere record and document what's happening where they live...to do whatever they can to protect and sustain these wondrous resources, and by doing, ensure their own health and survival.