It was in his own backyard, but he knew nothing about it.
When filmmaker Rich Reid spoke with his engineering buddy and Surfrider Foundation member Paul Jenkin, together they realized that the Ventura River was the lifeblood of their county and their neighbors, and few understand its importance.
So the two set out make a film about the river and its watershed, and how important it is to residents. “Watershed Revolution” will appear this weekend at the Newport Beach Film Festival.
“We tell the story of the watershed through six people involved. From the farmer to the activist working to remove the dam to the state Coastal Conservancy,” Reid said. “All of these people are dedicated to what they do. They were the inspiration to make this film.”
In 26 minutes, “Watershed Revolution” sets out to profile 200 square miles of the Ventura River watershed. The watershed is the surface area that drains into the river and then into the ocean. Water, trash, chemicals and many things that run through gutters and sidewalks end up in rivers in one way or another.
Reid and Jenkin highlight how dependent Southern Californians are on imported water and their few native sources. Ventura County relies exclusively on the river, he said.
“Most people don’t know where their water comes from,” Reid said with a chuckle.
“I truly appreciate where I live now more than before I did the film,” he said. “Everyone lives in a watershed, everyone lives down stream. You got to be respectful of your neighbors, county, country or whoever. Everyone has to work in the common goal of protecting their own water supply and do their best at conserving.”
He said the film has inspired him and Jenkin to work on a follow-up project. This time, they’ll be examining beach erosion at Ventura County’s heaviest surfing spot. “Watershed Revolution” will be played at the festival 10:15 a.m. Sunday.
