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Films on Water: Conservation, Access, and Sustainability
Water is one of the most critical resources for life on Earth, and its conservation, management, and sustainability are urgent topics in today’s world. This page curates a selection of films and documentaries that explore the significance of water, from its scarcity and pollution to efforts aimed at preserving and protecting this essential resource. These films provide valuable insights into the global water crisis and the importance of safeguarding our planet’s water systems.1. A Civil Action (1998)
Directed by Steven Zaillian, A Civil Action tells the real-life legal battle against a company accused of polluting water in a small town, leading to a devastating health crisis. This film underscores the importance of corporate accountability in protecting water resources and public health.
It offers a compelling narrative of how environmental justice can be pursued through legal action, and how contaminated water supplies can cause far-reaching consequences for communities.
Keywords: water contamination, legal action, environmental justice, corporate accountabilityView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
2. A Plastic Ocean (2016)
A Plastic Ocean, directed by Craig Leeson, is a groundbreaking documentary that reveals the widespread environmental destruction caused by plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. The film explores how plastic waste impacts marine life, the food chain, and ecosystems, while also highlighting potential solutions to this growing problem.
Through breathtaking underwater footage and interviews with scientists and environmental activists, A Plastic Ocean emphasizes the urgent need to address the plastic waste crisis and adopt sustainable practices to protect oceanic ecosystems.
Keywords: plastic pollution, ocean conservation, environmental sustainability, marine lifeView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
3. A River Between Us (2014)
Directed by Steven Johnson and Jason Atkinson, A River Between Us chronicles the struggle over the Klamath River in the Pacific Northwest. The documentary explores how indigenous tribes, environmentalists, and fishermen fight to restore the river and remove dams that have harmed the ecosystem for over a century.
The film presents the river’s ecological importance and the cultural significance it holds for the communities that rely on it, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to restore damaged water systems.
Keywords: river conservation, dam removal, indigenous rights, environmental activismView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
4. A Thirsty World (2012)
A Thirsty World, directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, takes a visual approach to exploring the water crisis by showcasing stunning imagery of water sources and the people who rely on them. The film travels across various countries to examine the impact of water scarcity on local communities and ecosystems. It sheds light on the emotional and social implications of water shortages and the growing need for sustainable water management.
Through captivating cinematography, A Thirsty World emphasizes the shared responsibility of humanity to conserve water and work together to find solutions that protect the planet’s water resources for future generations.
Keywords: water scarcity, sustainability, global water crisis, water conservationView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
5. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Avatar: The Way of Water, directed by James Cameron, is the long-awaited sequel to the original Avatar (2009). Set in the fictional world of Pandora, the film explores the lives of the Na’vi people, particularly their deep connection with water ecosystems. The movie introduces a new oceanic tribe and depicts the Na’vi’s spiritual bond with the oceans and the creatures that inhabit them.
The film’s stunning visuals not only highlight the beauty of water ecosystems but also carry an implicit message about the importance of protecting our own natural resources. Through the lens of science fiction, Avatar: The Way of Water subtly advocates for the conservation of Earth’s water systems and underscores the deep interconnection between nature and culture.
Keywords: water ecosystems, environmental conservation, sustainability, oceanic culturesView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
6. A World Without Water (2006)
A World Without Water, directed by Brian Woods, provides a stark look at the growing global water crisis. The documentary explores the effects of water privatization, scarcity, and the increasing commodification of water resources, with a focus on vulnerable communities who struggle to access clean water.
The film offers an urgent call to address water inequity and the global governance of water, raising questions about who owns water and who has the right to access it.
Keywords: water scarcity, water privatization, water equity, global governanceView on IMDb | Watch the video
7. Blue Gold: World Water Wars (2008)
Blue Gold: World Water Wars, directed by Sam Bozzo, examines the increasing global conflicts over water resources. Based on the book by Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke, the documentary discusses the political and corporate influences on water privatization and the growing risk of water becoming a commodity controlled by powerful entities. The film warns that future conflicts may arise from water shortages and lack of access to clean water.
The documentary also explores potential solutions, including efforts to reclaim public control over water resources, and emphasizes the need for collective action to protect this vital resource.
Keywords: water privatization, water conflicts, global water crisis, public controlView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
8. Brave Blue World (2019)
Brave Blue World, directed by Tim Neeves, explores cutting-edge technologies and innovations designed to address the global water crisis. The documentary features interviews with scientists, engineers, and activists who are working to secure clean and sustainable water sources for future generations.
By showcasing a range of solutions—from water recycling to desalination—Brave Blue World provides hope for solving one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time: access to clean water. The film highlights the critical importance of sustainable water management and the role that innovation can play in creating a more water-secure world.
Keywords: water crisis, water technology, sustainability, innovationView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
9. Corn Island (2014)
Corn Island (original title: Simindis kundzuli), directed by George Ovashvili, is a drama set on a small, ephemeral island that forms each year in the Enguri River. The film portrays an elderly farmer and his granddaughter as they attempt to cultivate the land on the isolated island, set against the backdrop of political tension between Georgia and Abkhazia.
The film explores the themes of impermanence, the human struggle against nature, and the fragility of life. Through stunning cinematography, Corn Island highlights the beauty of nature while showing the harsh realities of survival in an environment dictated by water and politics.
Keywords: river, human resilience, nature, survival, political conflictView on IMDb | Watch the video
10. DamNation (2014)
Directed by Ben Knight and Travis Rummel, DamNation examines the role of dams in the United States and their ecological impacts on river systems. The film documents the growing movement to remove outdated dams and restore natural river ecosystems, bringing back fish populations and rejuvenating local environments.
DamNation makes a compelling case for rethinking the balance between industrial infrastructure and environmental sustainability, arguing that many dams do more harm than good to water systems.
Keywords: dam removal, river conservation, environmental sustainability, ecological restorationView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
11. El río que nos atraviesa (2019)
El río que nos atraviesa, directed by Manuela Blanco, is an Argentine documentary that follows the communities living alongside the Bermejo River. The film explores how this river, a vital source of life for many, is being threatened by pollution, industrial waste, and government neglect.
The documentary portrays the lives of local inhabitants who are deeply connected to the river and its ecosystems, showing how their livelihoods and health are affected by the degradation of their water source. Through intimate stories, El río que nos atraviesa emphasizes the urgent need for water conservation and environmental justice in the region.
Keywords: water conservation, pollution, environmental justice, ArgentinaView on Filmaffinity | Watch the trailer
12. Erin Brockovich (2000)
Based on a true story, Erin Brockovich is a drama directed by Steven Soderbergh that tells the story of a legal assistant who investigates a major corporation’s role in polluting a California town’s water supply. The film highlights the dangers of corporate negligence and the effects of water contamination on public health.
Although not a traditional documentary, the film underscores the importance of legal accountability in protecting water resources and demonstrates how individuals can make a difference in environmental justice.
Keywords: water contamination, environmental justice, public health, corporate accountabilityView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
13. Flow: For Love of Water (2008)
Flow: For Love of Water, directed by Irena Salina, investigates the global water crisis, focusing on the privatization of water and its impact on communities around the world. The documentary exposes corporate practices that commodify water and explores the human rights issues surrounding access to clean water. It highlights both the environmental and ethical implications of water scarcity and privatization.
Through interviews with experts, activists, and scientists, Flow reveals the growing global struggle for access to clean, affordable water and the urgent need for sustainable water management practices.
Keywords: water crisis, privatization, water access, sustainabilityView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
14. H2Omx (2013)
H2Omx, directed by José Cohen and Lorenzo Hagerman, focuses on Mexico City’s water crisis. The documentary highlights the infrastructural challenges that a city of over 20 million faces as it struggles to supply its inhabitants with clean water. It provides insight into the complex relationship between urbanization, resource management, and environmental degradation.
The film raises important questions about water distribution, sustainability, and the responsibility of urban planners and policymakers in addressing water shortages in major cities across the world.
Keywords: urban water crisis, sustainability, water infrastructure, Mexico CityView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
15. Last Call at the Oasis (2011)
The Last Call at the Oasis, directed by Jessica Yu, provides a sobering examination of the global water crisis and the growing threats to our freshwater resources. The documentary explores various dimensions of the water issue, including water pollution, scarcity, and the looming risk of future water shortages. It also highlights the environmental and human impact of poor water management.
The film features interviews with scientists, policy experts, and advocates, and explores potential solutions to avert a full-blown water catastrophe. By addressing the political and economic factors influencing water distribution, Last Call at the Oasis challenges viewers to rethink how water is valued and managed.
Keywords: water scarcity, water pollution, freshwater, global water crisisView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
16. Poisoned Waters (2009)
Poisoned Waters, directed by Rick Young, investigates the contamination of major U.S. waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay and the Puget Sound. The film reveals how industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, and unchecked urbanization have severely degraded water quality, posing threats to both environmental and human health.
The documentary raises awareness of the environmental crisis facing America’s waters and calls for greater accountability and action to prevent further water degradation.
Keywords: water pollution, industrial waste, water quality, environmental healthView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
17. Rango (2011)
Directed by Gore Verbinski, Rango is an animated film that tells the story of a chameleon who becomes the sheriff of a drought-stricken town in the desert. While the film is a comedy, it touches on themes of water scarcity, resource management, and the importance of access to clean water.
Rango cleverly weaves environmental messages into a family-friendly narrative, making it a unique film for raising awareness about water issues through humor and adventure.
Keywords: water scarcity, drought, resource management, animated filmView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
18. River (2021)
River, directed by Jennifer Peedom and narrated by Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe, takes viewers on a stunning visual and musical journey across six continents, exploring the complex relationship between human civilization and Earth’s rivers. This cinematic odyssey alternates between moments of celebration, caution, and hope, offering a profound reflection on how we are beginning to understand the fragility and importance of rivers in sustaining life.
The film blends breathtaking cinematography with an evocative musical score to emphasize rivers’ vital role in both nature and human culture, while also serving as a reminder of their vulnerability in the face of modern challenges.
Keywords: rivers, human civilization, environmental fragility, sustainabilityView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
18. RiverBlue (2017)
RiverBlue, directed by David McIlvride and Roger Williams, explores the devastating impact of the fashion industry on the world’s rivers. The documentary follows river conservationist Mark Angelo as he travels across the globe, exposing how textile production and chemical dumping are polluting rivers and threatening ecosystems.
The film calls for systemic change in the fashion industry, urging the adoption of more sustainable practices to protect water resources.
Keywords: water pollution, textile industry, river conservation, sustainabilityView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
19. También la lluvia (Even the Rain) (2010)
Directed by Icíar Bollaín, También la lluvia (Even the Rain) explores the Bolivian Water War of 2000 through the lens of a film crew shooting a historical movie about Christopher Columbus. The film draws parallels between colonial exploitation and the modern-day privatization of water resources, highlighting the struggle for water rights in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
The film deftly intertwines past and present, showing how the exploitation of natural resources continues to affect marginalized communities. It serves as a powerful critique of both colonialism and modern capitalism in relation to essential resources like water.
Keywords: water privatization, Bolivia, water rights, colonialismView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
20. Tapped (2009)
Directed by Stephanie Soechtig, Tapped investigates the environmental and health effects of the bottled water industry. The film explores the consequences of water privatization, including the depletion of local water resources and the accumulation of plastic waste that pollutes oceans and rivers.
Tapped urges viewers to reconsider their reliance on bottled water and advocates for public control of water resources as a solution to the global water crisis.
Keywords: bottled water, water privatization, plastic waste, sustainabilityView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
21. The Colorado Problem: A River in the Red (2022)
The Colorado Problem: A River in the Red, directed in 2022, offers a thoughtful examination of the challenges facing the Colorado River, a critical resource for the American Southwest. The film explores how historical water allocation, growing demand, and prolonged droughts have led to current water shortages, but also highlights collaborative efforts to address the issue.
As stakeholders work together to find sustainable solutions, the documentary emphasizes the importance of careful water management and adaptation in the face of change. While the river faces significant challenges, the film offers a hopeful perspective, showcasing innovative approaches and community-driven initiatives aimed at preserving this essential lifeline for future generations.
Keywords: Colorado River, water management, sustainable solutions, drought, collaborative effortsView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
22. The Great Invisible (2014)
The Great Invisible, directed by Margaret Brown, chronicles the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The documentary explores how the disaster affected marine ecosystems, the livelihoods of local fishermen, and the broader implications for water conservation and energy policy.
The film highlights the environmental risks of offshore drilling and emphasizes the need for greater regulatory oversight to prevent future disasters.
Keywords: oil spill, water pollution, environmental risks, Deepwater HorizonView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
23. The Human Element (2018)
The Human Element, directed by Matthew Testa, follows photographer James Balog as he documents the interactions between the four elements (air, water, fire, and earth) and humanity. The film focuses on the effects of human activities on natural systems, particularly water, showing how flooding, droughts, and rising sea levels are impacting communities and ecosystems around the world.
By illustrating the interconnectedness of human actions and environmental consequences, the film calls for more sustainable water management practices and greater environmental awareness.
Keywords: water sustainability, human impact, environmental awareness, ecosystemsView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
24. The Pearl Button (El botón de nácar) (2015)
Directed by the acclaimed Chilean filmmaker Patricio Guzmán, The Pearl Button delves into the history of Chile’s indigenous communities and their deep connection to water. Using water as a metaphor, the documentary explores themes of colonization, political repression, and the disappeared victims of the Pinochet regime, many of whom were dumped into the sea.
The film reflects on how water holds both memory and tragedy, serving as a powerful force in Chile’s national identity. Guzmán’s poetic narrative and breathtaking cinematography make this a profound meditation on water, history, and loss.
Keywords: indigenous rights, Chile, water memory, political repressionView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
25. The Red Turtle (2016)
La Red Turtle, directed by Michael Dudok de Wit, is a beautifully animated film that tells the story of a man stranded on a desert island who encounters a giant red turtle. The film, a co-production between Studio Ghibli and European studios, explores themes of survival, nature, and the delicate balance between humans and the environment, without any dialogue.
Through its stunning visuals and minimalistic storytelling, La Red Turtle offers a poignant meditation on the relationship between humans and the natural world, making it a thought-provoking piece for those interested in the environment and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Keywords: nature, survival, animation, human-nature connectionView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
26. The River (1951)
Directed by Jean Renoir, The River is set in India and explores the intertwined relationship between human life and the natural world, focusing on the Ganges River. While primarily a coming-of-age drama, the film presents the river as a central force in the characters’ lives, representing both the vitality of water and its spiritual significance in Indian culture.
The River brings attention to the cultural importance of water, making it a noteworthy addition for discussions on the human connection to waterways and their significance to communities.
Keywords: Ganges River, spiritual significance, water and culture, coming-of-ageView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
27. There Once Was an Island (2010)
Directed by Briar March, There Once Was an Island documents the lives of the inhabitants of the Pacific Island of Takuu as they face the threats of rising sea levels. The film highlights the impacts of water scarcity and contamination, exploring the decision the islanders must make: either stay on their land or leave their ancestral home behind due to increased flooding.
The documentary portrays the human side of water management challenges and demonstrates how vulnerable communities face existential threats as water becomes both scarce and overwhelming.
Keywords: rising sea levels, water scarcity, water contamination, island communitiesView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
28. Water: The Great Mystery (2012)
Water: The Great Mystery, directed by Julia Perkul, is a documentary that explores the hidden and mysterious properties of water. Through scientific and spiritual lenses, the film investigates water’s memory, energy, and its profound impact on human health and the environment.
The documentary presents interviews with leading scientists, researchers, and spiritual leaders who explore water’s unique characteristics and its potential to influence both the physical and metaphysical world. Water: The Great Mystery challenges conventional views on water and encourages a deeper understanding of its life-sustaining power.
Keywords: water properties, scientific research, spiritual insights, water energyWatch the video
29. Watermark (2013)
Watermark, directed by Jennifer Baichwal and Edward Burtynsky, is a visually stunning documentary that explores humanity’s complex relationship with water. Through breathtaking imagery, the film shows how water shapes landscapes, cultures, and industries, while also highlighting the growing challenges of water management in an era of rapid industrialization and climate change.
The documentary provides a global perspective on water use, showing the vast scale of water projects, from irrigation systems to massive dams, and the environmental consequences of overuse and mismanagement.
Keywords: water management, sustainability, human impact, global water crisisView on IMDb | Watch the trailer
30. Yakuaya (2013)
Yakuaya is an independent Ecuadorian documentary directed by Pocho Álvarez that examines water’s spiritual and cultural importance to indigenous communities in the Andes. The film highlights the threats posed by mining and industrial exploitation to vital water sources and sacred waterways.
Through interviews with indigenous leaders and environmental activists, Yakuaya portrays the deep connection between water, culture, and survival in Ecuador, while also calling for the protection of these precious resources.
Keywords: water rights, Ecuador, indigenous communities, environmental activismView on Filmaffinity | Watch the trailer
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