Is
water part of a shared "commons," a human right for all people? Or is
it a commodity to be bought, sold, and traded in a global marketplace?
This documentary tells the stories of communities in Bolivia, India,
and the U.S. that are asking these fundamental questions. Over a
billion people lack access to safe drinking water. The corporate
consensus for large dams and privatized, corporate water systems is
challenged by experts and activists who assert that water is a human
right, not a commodity to be traded on the open market. The film brings
us to Bolivia where there's a full-scale insurrection against a water
privatization contract with the US-based Bechtel Corporation. Tens of
thousands of people battle police and the army to protect their water
rights. The central story in the film takes place in Stockton,
California. Mayor Gary Podesto proposes to give control of the water
system to a consortium of global water corporations. He is surprised by
the reaction as Stockton residents create a new grassroots coalition to
demand a say in the decision. They are worried about price hikes, water
quality, and layoffs of public employees, who tend to be women and/or
people of color. African-American water plant supervisor Michael
McDonald sees democracy itself at stake in this battle. In India, a
grassroots movement for water conservation has rejuvenated rivers,
literally changing the desert landscape. Led by Rajendra Singh, who
locals call "a modern day Gandhi," the movement opposes government
efforts to sell water sources to companies like Coke and Pepsi. Singh
journeys across India to organize resistance, finding millions eager to
join his crusade. Water activists from Bolivia, Stockton, and India all
meet at the World Water Forum in Kyoto as part of a new movement
against global water privatization. As the Forum reaches its final day,
no one anticipates the explosive outcome. Wheelchair accessible around
the corner at 411 28th Street. The evening begins with a social hour
and optional potluck supper. The film starts at 7:30pm and a discussion
will follow the film.
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