Big Water

The rivers of Australia’s interior feed the nation’s crops, its unique wetlands, landscapes, and ways of life. But many are in trouble, dying slow deaths due to the pressure humans put on them, be it agriculture, corporate greed or ineffective politics. Climate change is making rainfall unpredictable, groundwater is being overexploited. Water is now a commodity to be bought and sold on share markets. The Murrumbidgee river and its catchment, part of the Murray-Darling Basin, is a critical and hugely productive foodbowl, but it’s also home to unique wetlands and endangered species. People, though, need water; Europeans have built towns and thirsty communities in areas where water is scarce, while a new movement of Aboriginal cultural water rights is taking hold. Across the world, water resources are coming under pressure – communities, businesses and entire ecological systems coalescing, yearning and fighting for the same thing – water.

BIG WATER (or ‘Murrumbidgee’ in Wiradjuri) is an impact-first documentary series designed for direct-to-audience distribution through partnerships with NGOs, advocacy groups and government stakeholders.

At its core, BIG WATER holds conservation dear: our rivers and wetlands are suffering ecologically and we, as impact filmmakers want to be part of a campaign to reverse that slide. But the Murrumbidgee and broader Murray-Darling Basins (where much of our storytelling takes place) is one in which food is produced for Australians – and for export too. We need to eat: an equilibrium must be found when it comes to fresh water use – the UN says we have entered an era of ‘water bankruptcy’.

As the driest inhabited continent, Australia has been forced to confront water scarcity, climate pressure and competing demands earlier than most. The series explores what we’ve learned, from missteps to innovation, and importantly, what we’re just beginning to get right in balancing env

We must push for change when it comes to freshwater use; our planet, and our existence, depend on it. We must find a way to allow our rivers, wetlands and biodversity to flourish while also feeding a hungry planet.

By raising awareness and focusing on impact and education, knowing when to use elements of humour and shock we hope to shift the debate in Australia and internationally – on what best practice for water use in dry landscapes really looks like.

They are assisting but not directing storyline narrative and interview choices, while helping us find the right funding options and storylines.

Become champions of wetlands and riverine systems, as well as sustainable farming practices.