The American Southwest is a gorgeously filmed movie showcasing The Colorado River, the wildlife it sustains, and the impact humanity has had on the river. Narrated by Quannah Chasinghorse, we meet some really interesting animals like a bull elk whose call sounds like a bugle, a family of industrious beavers, the hardworking Salmon fly, and the ever taboo rattlesnake. (I never thought I would witness the live birth of rattlesnakes!)
As a Texan, you might know Ben Masters, the writer and director of this film, for Deep in the Heart, narrated by our very own Matthew McConaughey. This is also a visually stunning piece of cinema that follows a diverse landscape and shares what makes Texas unique.
I was fortunate to see The American Southwest on the big screen at AFS Cinema, and I highly recommend seeing this gorgeous film in theaters. As far as the wildlife stars, I had a lot of favorite characters, and I loved the way the narrative focused on the beatific natural landscape and the animals, with a bit of humor about the way some things go down in nature. (I’m looking at you, Scooter the Mojave rattlesnake!)
The amplification of nature sounds was on an ASMR level, creating an immersive experience that enveloped the viewer in a soothing auditory landscape. Each gentle murmur of bubbling water, juxtaposed with raging water, to even the sound of no water flowing- contributed to an atmosphere that truly made watching this movie not only very relaxing but also profoundly awe-inspiring. I felt transported to the tranquil wilderness, allowing for a deeper connection to why this river needs to be protected and the river’s health prioritized now.
This film also did a profound job discussing how human laws, rules, and habits are changing this magnificent river. It was disheartening to see how much humanity has altered the landscape, the river, and the ecology surrounding this once mighty river that carved the Grand Canyon. It’s pertinent that we take action now to change the way this river is managed. At the end of this bittersweet film, we are presented with numerous opportunities to help. Here are some relevant links so you can take action.
Petite Texan: Pack, Pedal, Paddle 