Winding its way through southeastern Oklahoma, the Kiamichi River is a bastion of eco-diversity. Already twice-dammed, the state of Oklahoma and a Texas corporation continue to try to commodify the remaining water, and build a hydropower plant on the small river.
For a group of locals, this isn’t just a fight for a river, it is a lifelong reckoning with the cycle of land theft and displacement that began with the Trail of Tears. Now, in a region in which the community relies on the Kiamichi’s ecosystem for subsistence, taking the water out of the watershed could mean yet another relocation.
This eye-opening film, which was awarded “Best Oklahoma Documentary” at the 25th annual deadCenter Film Festival, has a narrative arc that follows the river as its main character—witnessing the ebb and flow of its life-giving ability through the seasons, and the detrimental impact caused by damming and development projects. It’s more than a story about water rights; it tells about the far-reaching and damaging effects that befall societies when outside entities attempt to take an area and culture’s resources.
Interwoven are the stories of the river’s advocates—residents, Choctaw culture-keepers and scientists—who have come together to save the river and initiate a paradigm shift grounded in ideals of rematriation and rights of Nature, reinforcing a commitment to end the cycle of disconnection from our land.
While not intentional (at first), Colleen Thurston has put herself in the story to make a connection between the past, present and future: she explores the effects of her grandfather’s work designing dams for the Army Corps of Engineers. Thurston also explains her tribe’s ongoing struggles with resource exploitation, and how it shapes her reconciliation of the past with the present.
The film was seven years in the making and the focus has moved a bit depending on how much info/participation Thurston gained along the way. One huge but unexpected element turned out to be a big surprise. As fate would have it, Colleen was able to acquire the rights to Samantha Crain‘s powerful song, “When We Remain.” It was a big addition to the film, not just because she loved it so and had the perfect vibe for the film, but it just so happened to be about the area and themes that Thurston was highlighting in her documentary!
It’s impacting and important and you can see why it took home the top honor this year. You can get info on where the doc is playing next or request a screening at the official website: https://drownedland.com/
Enjoy this chat with Colleen as she talks about her process, the reception and what’s ahead for Drowned Land.
Named one of the “20 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker Magazine, the deadCenter Film Festival is Oklahoma’s largest and only Oscar-qualifying fest, with the winner of two short film categories eligible for an Academy Award. On June 11-15, the Film Festival draws in unique, groundbreaking films from around the world while showcasing the best from the state. Founded by filmmakers, deadCenter prides itself on making the filmmaker experience its top priority and creating community at the festival enjoyed by filmmakers and attendees alike.
The mission of deadCenter Film is to inspire, promote, and celebrate creativity and community through film.
