The new documentary The American Southwest takes audiences deep into the story of the Colorado River—its beauty, its challenges, and its future. Directed by Ben Masters and narrated by Indigenous activist Quannah Chasinghorse, the film blends breathtaking cinematography with ecological truth‑telling, humor, and cultural history. Produced in association with Natives Outdoors, it ensures Indigenous perspectives are central to the narrative.
The film explores extraordinary wildlife and ecosystems that depend on the river. Viewers witness rare spectacles like salmonfly and stonefly hatches, beavers building wetlands, condors recovering from near extinction, and even the return of jaguars to American soil. These moments of wonder are balanced by sobering statistics and stories: how damming and redirection have reshaped ecosystems, compromised water quality, and disrupted Indigenous communities who have lived along the river for generations.
Equally powerful is the way the film grounds its story in Indigenous voices. Chasinghorse acknowledges the names and histories of tribes connected to the river and speaks candidly about how damming and redirection have impacted Indigenous peoples, river communities, and ecosystems alike. That honesty resonates strongly, offering a refreshing counterpoint to narratives that often overlook these truths.
The film also surprises with its humor. Amid sobering statistics about unsustainable water redirection and population pressures, there are moments of levity—like the antics of a bull elk—that make the ecological message more accessible and memorable.
Kali Miller, Membership Services Manager at EarthShare Texas, recently watched the film and found it refreshing in its balance of beauty, humor, and hard truths. She noted how the statistics underscored the unsustainable nature of water redirection—not only harming ecosystems and Indigenous peoples but also compromising the very health of the water that makes all life possible.
What makes The American Southwest stand out is its perspective. By blending Indigenous storytelling, ecological science, and cinematic beauty, it reminds us that water is not just a resource but the foundation of all life. At EarthShare Texas, we see this film as a powerful reminder of why conservation matters. Protecting rivers, wildlife, and communities is not optional—it is essential for resilience and sustainability.
As we reflect on the lessons of The American Southwest, we invite you to join us in protecting the lands and waters that sustain life here in Texas. Your support fuels the work of our nonprofit partners across the state, ensuring healthier ecosystems and stronger communities.
Make a gift to our End‑of‑Year Campaign today and help us continue this vital work. To see the impact your donation makes, explore our latest Impact Report blog post.
