Watch Breaking Point: The Disappearing Salton Sea, An Ecological Disaster

Breaking Point: The Disappearing Salton Sea, An Ecological Disaster is a thought-provoking documentary film directed by Bill Wisneski and narrated by actor and environmental activist, John Doman. The film takes a deep dive into the ecological crisis looming over the Salton Sea, one of California's largest inland bodies of water that is rapidly vanishing.

The Salton Sea was formed by accident in 1905 when the Colorado River breached an irrigation canal and flowed into the Salton Sink. It is situated in a desert region of Southern California and for several decades in the mid-20th century, the area around the Sea was a popular tourist attraction for vacationing families, renowned for its fishing and boating activities. Since then, the Salton Sea has become an environmental disaster due to a combination of factors and poor management, including dwindling water supply, increasingly higher salinity levels, toxic algae blooms, and declining ecosystem health, resulting in mass die-offs of fish and bird populations.

The film exposes the dire state of the Salton Sea and explores the causes and consequences of this ecological crisis. The documentary features interviews with scientists, policymakers, and local residents who are struggling to cope with the environmental challenges that the Salton Sea poses. We meet farmers who are worried about their crops, tourists who are no longer visiting the area, and fishermen who are struggling to make a living. Through these testimonials, the film expertly conveys the devastating impact of the Salton Sea crisis on the local economy and the environment.

Moreover, the film delves into the complexities of water politics in California and the broader Southwest. It reveals the political, economic, and bureaucratic obstacles that have prevented effective solutions to the Salton Sea crisis. The film uncovers the stark reality of how a lack of political will and funding, along with competing interests and ideologies, continue to thwart efforts to save the Salton Sea.

Breaking Point also draws attention to the broader ecological implications of the Salton Sea crisis, ranging from public health issues to worsening climate change. It underscores the need for urgent action to address the Salton Sea's ecological disaster to prevent water scarcity, air pollution, and mounting health problems from becoming out of control.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its stunning visuals. Wisneski masterfully captures the beauty of the Salton Sea and the surrounding landscape, juxtaposed with its stark and bleak reality. He possesses an excellent eye for framing the shots with a discerning lens that beautifully captures the Salton Sea's eerie, ghostly, and desolate setting while simultaneously showcasing the grandeur and beauty of nature.

Breaking Point is a powerful documentary that informs, inspires, and challenges. It highlights how important it is to take care of our natural resources and offers a glimpse of the disaster unfolding before us. It is a must-see for anyone concerned about environmental issues, water scarcity, and the future of our planet.

Breaking Point: The Disappearing Salton Sea, An Ecological Disaster is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes.