A documentary film about the long-standing water rights compact between the states of Nebraska and Colorado for control of the South Platte River.
5-MINUTE WORK SAMPLE
From the filmmakers behind REMEMBER THE DRUMSTICK. An upcoming documentary about the legislative struggle over the most precious resource in the Great Plains and the farmers, ranchers, and community it affects.
Currently in postproduction. The estimated completion date is Late Fall to Early Winter 2024.
Why make this film now?
Limited water access is a clear and present danger affecting all humans. The filmmakers became aware of the water war between Nebraska and Colorado in early 2022. Nebraska wants to begin construction on a new $500 million canal at the Western border in the South Platte River Basin so its access to water would be guaranteed. But Colorado is growing in population and water need and is prepared to sue. Environmentalists worry that the canal project may disrupt the Platte River ecosystem. The fight may go all the way to the Supreme Court.
The water war has a long history dating back to the mid-19th century. While the battle over water feels litigious in Denver and Lincoln, the battle feels more personal to the locals of the region who rely on the Platte River to sustain their way of life and provide for their families.
In 2022, the United States entered a drought throughout most of the nation, including in Colorado and Nebraska. The Water War between Colorado and Nebraska is just one of the larger battles over water resources in the United States and the filmmakers believe that a local focus will bring attention to all other water access issues.
A documentary that is about water rights, water usage, and the politics behind managing water across state lines.
Learn more about The Platte River and the Perkins County Canal.
Make a donation.
We will not able to make this important film without your help. If you care about water conservation and water access, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to cover our production costs. Every dollar counts.
We are fiscally sponsored by Nebraska Independent FIlm Projects.
Contact the filmmakers.
If you wish to participate in our documentary, have resources we could use, or would like to discuss impact opportunities, please send us an email below.