Jones+Russ+Film+Annotation+IX+(Blue+Gold)

Russell Jones Sustainability Problems Film Annotation


 * //Blue Gold//, released in 2008 and directed by Sam Bozzo, is a film which argues that the world’s water supply is being ruined by pollution and degraded into non-potable water. The film states that in coming years, water shortages are going to become more prevalent and conflicts will eventually begin over clean water resources. The film highlights sustainability issues with water pollution and public water supply, specifically with corporate control of water supplies.
 * The most persuasive parts of the film include the message that as water becomes scarce; nations will compete over clean water resources which will result in conflict. The Bolivian struggle for a public water supply was also compelling as the people of Bolivia revolted in order to banish corporations from controlling and selling watersheds. A water supply corporation controlled the Bolivia’s to the point where the corporations owned the rainwater as it was falling. The least compelling parts of the films were the drawn out statements from professionals without suggestions to courses of action.
 * This film addresses audiences from beginning of high school and above. It is introductory in nature. The film is likely to change the way viewers view water as a resource. Many have a tendency to think that water is an ever-abundant and renewable resource however with pollution, this is not the case. For example, I was under the impression that the water cycle was a close to perfect system for keeping water fresh.
 * The film suggests intervention by not allowing corporations to own and distribute water supplies. This is a valid point of intervention as water is a staple of life that should be part of the public trust, as pointed out in the film. The film was education in an introductory sense, however it did no dig deep into specific sources of pollution of our water supply and how to combat the pollution. The film was not overly-balanced but definitely took the ant-corporate perspective. Regardless, the film draws out a problem that most are not aware of but one that everyone should be aware of.