Who Owns Water

Who Owns Water is a captivating and insightful documentary film directed by David Hanson and Michael Hanson, released in the year 2014. It's a meaningful journey that brings awareness to the pressing environmental issue surrounding the water resources along the Southern eastern states in the United States, especially the Chattahoochee River which flows into Alabama out of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia.

The central motif revolves around the exploration and examination of water wealth and water crisis, and the question of water possession rights. Does water truly belong to anyone? How can it be dealt with responsibly to meet a host of demands? These fundamental questions form the backbone of the narrative and the core of the investigation led by the brothers, David and Michael Hanson, who are also featured in the documentary.

Their journey starts in Georgia, at the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River, and culminate at the sea guiding the viewers through a 30-day canoe trip from the source to the sea. The Hanson brothers have aimed to put flesh on the bones of these questions by weaving together physical adventure, natural history, human stories and political fumbling.

The film consists of interviews with several local residents and officials en route, discussing the conflicts and challenges regarding water management in the Chattahoochee River, Flint River, Apalachicola River basin, and on to the Gulf of Mexico. The continuous dispute between the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, often referred to as the 'Tri-State Water War', provides a chiseled backdrop for this documentary.

The plot is intensified as brothers David and Michael employ a first-hand approach to bring these water issues to life, incorporating compelling personal stories and interviews from individuals affected by the water crisis. The portrayal of real, ordinary people's relationship with water throws light on urgent issues of water access, sanitation, conservation, and legal conflicts. By doing so, it captures the intricate bond between humans and water in a captivating and intriguing manner.

The brothers use the river as more than just a geographic entity: it is a character, a storyteller, and a lifeline that underscores the tragic reality of water shortages and consumption. The river, in its serene beauty and tumultuous turmoil, is a testament to the impact of human activities on the natural environment. It leads the audience to understand the awe-inspiring power of water and its importance to life.

The cinematic storytelling in Who Owns Water is brilliant and heart-touching. It beautifully combines adventure with environmental activism evoking both empathy and awareness from its viewers. The filmmakers have conjured an effective mix of aerial shots, time-lapse photography, and intimate, close-up shots, effectively holding its audiences spell-bound. The stellar editing and post-production work add additional layers to this already impactful documentary. Viewers embark on this journey with the brothers, feel the undercurrents of the water struggles, and are compelled to reflect on their relationship with water.

The bite-sized scientific and ecological lessons complemented by recounts of local history, folklore, and personal experiences paint a picture of the historical and present-day importance of water. This unique blend of storytelling draws us into the challenges Southeast faces today concerning water. The incorporation of racial, economic, and geographical disparities in water access further foundationally anchors the film in contemporary socio-political discussions.

Beyond illustrating the issues of water access and ownership, Who Owns Water is a call to action; it encourages viewers to appreciate the vital role of water in their lives, to understand its scarcity, and drives them to take steps to sustain it. This movie provides a stirring wake-up call about the world's most important natural resource and our abuse of it.

In 90 minutes of poignant and thought-provoking narrative, Who Owns Water ushers us into introspection on our water practices. Its relevance and resonance go well beyond the boundaries of the southeastern states. It serves as stark insight and sobering warning about global fresh water concerns and our collective role in preserving it. It’s a much-needed wakeup call and a must-watch documentary, seen through the lens of two brothers, it urges all of humanity to preserve not just their rights, but their responsibilities, too.