THE DOCUMENTARY. The key to the global water crisis is collaboration. The Water Pressures documentary highlights community water management projects in the deserts of India and a major U.S. university on Lake Michigan. Collaborations in each of these communities initiate real change, enabling participants to conserve water in response to the global water crisis.
In the Thar desert outside Rajasthan, India, local rainfall is two inches per year (making it one of the most water distressed regions in the world). Impoverished communities have learned to capture rainwater by partnering with a local non-government agency, a Maharaja, Rajendra Singh (the Water Gandhi), and international funders. Now, women and young girls no longer walk eight miles a day to fetch water. Instead, with access to nearby wells, girls in these communities are able to stay in school.
Artistic circles has already documented diverse voices from the water scarce region of Rajasthan, echoing a request for attention to the water crisis. We also have the answering voices of concerned college students asking, “How do we play a role in this?”, “What can we do to help?”
In March 2010, a group of university students traveled to Rajasthan, India and experienced first-hand life in the most water-distressed region of the world. While there, they were immersed in village life and observed day-to-day water management practices applied to agriculture and rural health. Top water experts from Rajasthan will be visiting Northwestern this summer to meet with University faculty and administrators and develop a long-term study abroad program addressing global heath and water issues.
By documenting this groundbreaking exchange the water pressures project will serve as a reproducible model for global collaborations on campuses across the US.
In the Fall, community organizers from Jal Bhagirati will visit Evanston and tour surrounding area water facilities to learn how these facilities run their systems. Footage from the exchange in India and Evanston will be used along with an online discussion guide during an international online water forum. This online event will connect multiple University groups and registered individuals to discuss the issues raised in the film. Portions of this event will also be filmed and included in the final Water Pressures Documentary
The Water Pressures Documentary is scheduled for syndication in the US and India for World Water Day, March 22, 2011.
