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American River

Play trailer Poster for American River 2021 1h 26m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Mary Bruno spent her childhood along one of the most polluted waterways in America. Decades later, she returns to kayak the river of her youth and tell its story. AMERICAN RIVER follows Ms. Bruno and guide Carl Alderson on a 4-day, 80 mile adventure down the Passaic River, from its pristine source in a wildlife refuge to its toxic mouth in Newark Bay. The river's amazing history, geology and ecology are revealed as the kayakers navigate challenges, travel through urban landscapes and head towards the industrial disaster that has poisoned the Passaic for the past 60 years. Along the way, the filmmakers engage residents, historians and advocates in candid conversations that bring insight, urgency and a sense of wonder to the story. How did the Passaic become one of the most contaminated rivers in America? Can it be saved? The Passaic is an archetype for thousands of rivers across America facing similar reckonings.

Critics Reviews

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Bill Newcott The Saturday Evening Post Immeasurably more useful than a seething environmental screed...an affectionate appreciation of what remains, and a blueprint for ways in which countless other American rivers may write their own happy endings. Rated: 4/5 Apr 23, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews
American River

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Cast & Crew

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Scott Morris

Director

Scott Morris

Producer

Kelly Sheehan

Producer

S. Dillard Kirby

Executive Producer

Scott Morris

Film Editor

Roger Grange

Cinematographer
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American River

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Movie Info

Synopsis Mary Bruno spent her childhood along one of the most polluted waterways in America. Decades later, she returns to kayak the river of her youth and tell its story. AMERICAN RIVER follows Ms. Bruno and guide Carl Alderson on a 4-day, 80 mile adventure down the Passaic River, from its pristine source in a wildlife refuge to its toxic mouth in Newark Bay. The river's amazing history, geology and ecology are revealed as the kayakers navigate challenges, travel through urban landscapes and head towards the industrial disaster that has poisoned the Passaic for the past 60 years. Along the way, the filmmakers engage residents, historians and advocates in candid conversations that bring insight, urgency and a sense of wonder to the story. How did the Passaic become one of the most contaminated rivers in America? Can it be saved? The Passaic is an archetype for thousands of rivers across America facing similar reckonings.
Director
Scott Morris
Producer
Scott Morris, Kelly Sheehan
Production Co
Passaic River Films
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 26m