Watch Water and Power: A California Heist

Water and Power: A California Heist is a critically acclaimed documentary film from 2017 that explores the complicated and controversial issue of water rights in California. The film is directed by Marina Zenovich, known for her work on documentaries such as Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired and Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic. The movie starts by introducing viewers to the history and importance of water in California, a state known for its agriculturally-rich central valley, booming urban centers, and arid deserts. Throughout the film, we learn about the intricate network of canals, reservoirs, and aqueducts that make up California's water infrastructure, and how the state's water policies have resulted in stark inequalities between different communities.

Water and Power: A California Heist explores the impact of California's complicated water policies on several different groups of people. One group is made up of small farmers in the Central Valley, who struggle to access enough water to keep their crops alive. The film highlights how these farmers often have to compete with larger agricultural conglomerates and urban centers for access to water, which can be prohibitively expensive or outright unavailable.

Another group featured in the film is made up of residents of the small town of East Porterville, located in the state's drought-stricken central valley. East Porterville's residents have been forced to rely on government-provided water tanks and bottled water due to their wells having run dry. The film shows how many of these residents feel forgotten by the state and struggle to meet their basic needs during increasingly long droughts.

The movie also explores the relationship between politics and water in California. It exposes how corruption and profit motives have led to water theft and illegal water trading, turning the state's most valuable resource into a commodity that can be bought and sold like any other. The film highlights how certain groups, such as wealthy landowners and water brokers, have been able to take advantage of the state's water policies to benefit themselves at the expense of others.

Despite the bleak picture presented by the film, Water and Power: A California Heist also offers glimpses of hope and inspiration. We meet community activists and local leaders who are working to make water more accessible and equitable for all Californians. The movie shows how citizen action and grassroots movements can make a difference in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The documentary is well-crafted and well-researched, featuring interviews with farmers, experts, and politicians on all sides of the water issue. Additionally, the movie features stunning aerial shots of California's diverse landscapes, from the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains to the palm tree-filled Los Angeles skyline. The visuals, paired with evocative music, help to convey the beauty of the state while also underscoring the urgency of the film's message.

Overall, Water and Power: A California Heist is a must-watch for anyone concerned about social justice, environmental issues, or politics. The documentary is informative, thought-provoking, and engaging, making a complex topic accessible to viewers of all backgrounds. The film raises important questions about how water policies affect our communities and whether the current system is sustainable in the long run. Ultimately, the movie underscores the need for action and the urgency of finding solutions to the pressing water issues facing California and beyond.

Water and Power: A California Heist is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.