2024
I Am the River, the River Is Me
Australian Premiere.
Guest in attendance.
I Am the River, the River Is Me follows a five-day canoe journey along Aotearoa/New Zealand's Whanganui River, the first river in the world to gain legal personhood. Guided by a Māori guardian, this visually stunning documentary explores the river’s profound impact on Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship.
Director
Petr Lom
Runtime
88 Minutes
Country
Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand
Classification
All Ages
A journey down the Whanganui River reveals its power to inspire global environmental action.
Opening this year’s Doc Edge Festival, I Am the River, the River Is Me is a profound and visually captivating documentary by Peter Lom. The film explores the Whanganui River in Aotearoa/New Zealand, the first river in the world to be granted legal personhood. Guided by Māori river guardian Ned Tapa, a five-day canoe journey includes a First Nations Elder from Australia, his daughter, and an international film crew.
The film delves into the river's rich history, highlighting the global struggles of Indigenous communities to protect their sacred waterways. The journey becomes a powerful exploration of environmental stewardship, as the participants share personal and inspiring conversations about the rivers they are committed to saving.
With breathtaking cinematography that immerses viewers in natural beauty, the film ignites a sense of urgency to protect our planet's vital resources. I Am the River, the River Is Me is a call to action, urging us all to "go home and save your water".
Opening this year’s Doc Edge Festival, I Am the River, the River Is Me is a profound and visually captivating documentary by Peter Lom. The film explores the Whanganui River in Aotearoa/New Zealand, the first river in the world to be granted legal personhood. Guided by Māori river guardian Ned Tapa, a five-day canoe journey includes a First Nations Elder from Australia, his daughter, and an international film crew.
The film delves into the river's rich history, highlighting the global struggles of Indigenous communities to protect their sacred waterways. The journey becomes a powerful exploration of environmental stewardship, as the participants share personal and inspiring conversations about the rivers they are committed to saving.
With breathtaking cinematography that immerses viewers in natural beauty, the film ignites a sense of urgency to protect our planet's vital resources. I Am the River, the River Is Me is a call to action, urging us all to "go home and save your water".
“A captivating film by Dutch filmmaker Petr Lom, whose humble and collaborative approach makes I Am the River, the River Is Me a rich, sensory, and thought-provoking film."
Film Fest Report
Hague, Doc Edge
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Film Credits
Director
Petr Lom
Year
2024
Country
Netherlands, Norway & New Zealand
Language
English & Māori
Subtitles
English
Type
Documentary & Feature
Program Strand
Change Award & World Documentary
Producer
Corinne van Egeraat
Cinematographer
Petr Lom
Editor
Gys Zevenbergen NCE
Music
Puoro Jerome & Georg Buljo
Film Source
ZIN Documentaire
Genre
Activism, Documentary & First Nations
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