Miracle in the Desert: The Rise and Fall of the Salton Sea

Miracle in the Desert: The Rise and Fall of the Salton Sea released in 2020 is a stirring documentary that dives deep into the turbulent history and the complex environmental crisis of the largest lake in California, the Salton Sea. Collecting an impressive cast together, including Ben Beal, Linda Beal, Michelle Dugan, Art Gertz, and Lana Hall, the film balances a haunting look at the current state of what was once a rich and prosperous habitat for wildlife and humanity, and a cautiously optimistic projection of what could be done to resuscitate its deteriorating condition.

The movie, directed brilliantly by Greg Bassenian, oscillates between the past and present, painting an intriguing picture of the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea was born out of an engineering mishap at the turn of the 20th century and rose to become a flourishing tourist destination, fondly branded as the ‘California Riviera' in the 1950s and 1960s. However, the paradise didn't last long due to environmental neglect and a variety of other factors that led to its steep decline. The documentary examines this rise and fall in unflinching detail, chronicling the story of a paradise lost.

The film kicks off by examining its history – how the Salton Sea was formed through unintentional flooding of the Colorado River, which turned a desert basin into a massive inland sea. The narration then moves to detail how this miracle in the desert turned out to be a booming spot with a heavy influx of tourists, fishermen, and real estate developers establishing thriving communities by the water's edge.

Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and stunning cinematography, Miracle in the Desert: The Rise and Fall of Salton Sea powerfully illustrates how this flourishing tourist spot gradually turned into a crisis-laden area of ecological concern. The documentary showcases the devastating environmental impact of what has become an increasingly toxic and polluted body of water. The lake serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of ecological negligence and the brunt of that negligence is borne by the surrounding communities who face environmental hazards and related health risks.

The role of climate change along with economic and political dynamics is also deeply explored, making evident their contributions to the Sea's looming environmental crisis. The human impact, intertwined with the lake's history, is shown in an impressive array of human stories from the communities around the Salton Sea. Personal stories of people who've been impacted by the Sea's decline help to ground its ecological narrative in the human experience.

Fascinating interviews featuring Ben Beal, Linda Beal, Michelle Dugan, Art Gertz, and Lana Hall, along with experts and locals, provide a wide range of emotive and intellectual perspectives. With their stories and insights, they bring to life the human cost of the Sea's environmental challenges and paint a picture of resilience fraught with negligence and oversight.

Miracle in the Desert: The Rise and Fall of the Salton Sea uniquely draws attention to one of the most pressing ecological disasters in Southern California. The uncertainty surrounding the lake's future, and by extension the future of thousands of people who live in and around the area, serves as a tragic yet telling symbol of environmental crises facing parts of the Western United States.

What makes this film exceptionally compelling is the realistic portrayal of the problems the Salton Sea faces. Rather than painting the situation with a sweeping brush of desperation, the film offers hope and highlights a number of potential solutions that could revive the Sea and protect the community who rely on it. The documentary expresses a universal message – our actions have consequences, and it's time to start taking responsibility for the world we live in.

Miracle in the Desert: The Rise and Fall of the Salton Sea is a heartfelt and illuminating reflection on the relation between humans and nature. It's a documentary that encourages viewers to consider the past, examine the present, and look towards a hopeful future. Rich in context and brimming with moments of poignancy, it’s not just the tale of the Salton Sea, but a powerful metaphor for the larger, global environmental crisis we face today.