5 Water Films You Should Watch Instead Of Sharknado 2
We are taking a short break from our Actions to Mitigate against Flood and Drought series to talk about Sharknado. Yes, Sharknado…
If you happened to be on Twitter on Wednesday, you might have noticed that the second installment of the movie Sharknado was a trending topic. The campy made-for-TV movie about tornadoes that drop scores of sharks over major American cities has received a lot of media attention. While movies like Sharknado are a fun excuse to suspend reality, we also thought we’d highlight a few alternative acclaimed water-focused documentaries recommended by the water community.
1. Water: A Sacred Relationship
On Wednesday night we asked the following question to our Twitter followers:
Question for our water community: what water movies would you recommend people watch instead of #Sharknado2?
— Alberta WaterPortal (@WaterPortal) July 31, 2014
We would recommend “The Sacred Relationship” – a film about First Nations in Alberta & their relationship with water http://t.co/H3aLHTz8iE
— Alberta WaterPortal (@WaterPortal) July 31, 2014
Our recommendation was the film Water: A Sacred Relationship
The documentary is a part of a broader research and educational project. It is “aimed at using the issue of water to reconcile the relationship between Indigenous people and the rest of Canada”.
Why it is better: Thoughtful dialogue on important issues.
2. The Colorado River: Running Near Empty
“Chasing Water” 12min http://t.co/wUt99p8nCm for those curious about the #ColoradoRiver MT @WaterPortal What water movies would u recommend?
— Korice Moir (@WaterPuppetry) July 31, 2014
Twitter user @WaterPuppetry recommended the film The Colorado River: Running Near Empty, a documentary following photojournalist Peter McBride as he traces the natural course of the Colorado River and explores the human impact on “America’s Nile River”.
Why it is better: The drama is real.
3. Great Canadian Rivers
Well, this just made my night. MT @eFlowsOntario: @WaterPortal Some good #movies about Cdn #rivers here: https://t.co/9Zj6mPcoga @kpassiton
— Korice Moir (@WaterPuppetry) July 31, 2014
British Columbia’s Knowledge Network offers the series Great Canadian Rivers profiling major Canadian Rivers. Choose from a number of videos on Canada’s great river or watch the episode on the Athabasca River available online on August 11th.
Why it is better: It’s local. Sharknado’s only seem to hit American coasts.
4. Watermark
@WaterPortal how about Ed Burtynsky’s film Watermark
— ERWP (@elbow_watershed) July 31, 2014
Our friends at the Elbow River Watershed Partnership suggested Watermark, a stunning film by renowned Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky.
Why it is better: Unlike Sharknado, Watermark is an award winning film. Sharknado may have been nominated for a People’s Choice award but didn’t win despite the hype.
5. Cold Amazon
Lastly, check out the trailer for the documentary Cold Amazon which showcases Canada’s massive MacKenzie River Basin. Those profiled in the documentary argue that there is still time to protect Canada’s biggest river but the time to act is now.
Cold Amazon: The Mackenzie River Basin – Trailer from WDGF Channel on Vimeo.
Why it is better: You’ll actually learn something.
Any films you would recommend? Are you planning to watch any of these Sharknado alternatives this weekend? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet!