Director: Sasha Wortzel
Stars: Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Betty Osceola
Synopsis: An ode to the Florida Everglades past and present, told through the prescient writings of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, and those who today call the region home.
We all know that documentarians strive for truth. There is an investigative nature of the work that, in the best cases, feels exhaustive. But all journeys must begin with a single step. They tend to put the rest of us to shame, as we are more likely to simply accept “known truths,” which are not actually known, but only accepted. If we travel with them, and continue to be curious, it may reward us with knowledge that has been known and passed down for generations without our awareness. That awareness will lead to actual change and growth, if we allow it.
Courtesy of Sasha Wortzel and Walking Productions
River of Grass takes its title from a travel book written by Marjory Stoneman Douglas in 1947, titled “The Everglades: River of Grass”. Well, at least it appears to on its surface. Quickly, we are given more information. And, it should come as no surprise to anyone with a vague interest in history, that it leads to indigenous people and connection with nature. Even the most well-meaning white people in history, like Douglas, have stolen from indigenous people, regardless of their intent. And this is exactly why it is important to dig deeper. Director Sasha Wortzel crafts a stunning look at the past, present, and hopefully the future of the Florida Everglades. The Everglades are a perfect example of something we just accept, and this will never change. But, terrifyingly so, human beings have power to shift and change the landscape, whether or not we should.
In exploring the past, we find quickly that the desire to alter the land is what leads us to both great and terrifying changes. Wortzel interweaves her film with recordings, writings, and images of Douglas to its great advantage. Even if she did steal the term “River of Grass” from the local indigenous people, it does not mean that she did not create great works for the conservation of the area. She is also aided by the combination of the beauty of Florida and her cinematographer, J. Bennett. Particularly in the sections detailing the importance of Lake Okeechobee, there is a spiritual connection felt as the river flows in front of the camera.
These visuals, along with an expertly written piece about the effects of the lake truly house the importance of the film. The voiceover details that this is the first time that she has ever seen these waters personally. Yet, basically every person in Florida has felt the effects of this body of water. And this is the major problem of our times, as well as the heart of conservation. We are desperate to build bigger and better (and for more people) without ever truly realizing the cost. As the film importantly states, nature will always win. We are not destroying the planet exactly, we are destroying the habitable nature of this planet for us. Human beings should always be on the side of nature, as it is our spiritual mother. But we have become so far removed from the source of life that ignorance seems easier.
Courtesy of Sasha Wortzel and Walking Productions
River of Grass is both a travelogue and a call to action. Especially given our current political climate (one in which our planet is taking a terrifying back seat), its message could not be more important. Although it likely contains well known information to those that live in Florida, it is a message to all of us to take a closer look. No matter where you live (especially in the United States), there is a hidden fight taking place on our land. It may not involve toxic waters, animals seemingly magically returning to their place of birth or tree islands (with their own deep history), but all it takes is a little work to become closer to our earth.The nature that we speed by on our way to our next appointment is calling out to us, ready to be saved for our next generation. Asking why and how is the important first question that River of Grass begs us to ask.
