In a world where clean water is becoming increasingly scarce, a new documentary film to be released online Sunday April 26th reveals how Israelis are playing a leading role in the international effort to counter that trend. Sustainable Nation, produced by Imagination Productions, follows three individuals who are doing their part to bring sustainable water solutions to an increasingly thirsty planet.
At present, it is estimated that at least one in every ten people alive are lacking basic access to safe water. In some environs, particularly in the villages of Africa, the challenge comes from a lack of infrastructure to deliver clean water that leaves millions without the ability to provide for their families. In other areas, the effects of decades of pollution of major waterways capable of sustaining their populations has had a devastating impact on the ability to access safe water resources.
“In the 21st century, we are facing a critical crisis in energy, water and food,” says Dr. Clive Lipchin, an expert in drought and water management in the Middle East featured in the film. “This is the story of a people who are simply unwilling to accept the status quo, individuals who grew up surrounded by these issues and care enough to do something about it.”
“When my producers and I began this project several years ago, we certainly wanted to make a film that spread awareness about the water crisis, but ultimately we wanted to focus on solutions and give audiences hope that we truly can solve this issue.” says Director Micah Smith. “As we began our research, there was one statistic that truly blew me away: Israel leads the world in wastewater recycling, reusing more than 80% of its wastewater, with the next closest country being Spain at 20%.”
As the film describes through the lens of history, science and the personal stories of those who’ve been at the center of these efforts, Israelis are renowned for innovating a myriad of high-tech and low-tech methods that conserve water and have transformed previously barren wastelands into thriving farms. “The message that we hope to impart in this film is that Israel’s lessons and history can be to the immediate and long-lasting benefit of people all over the world when it comes to conservation and clean water technologies,” says Raphael Shore, producer of the film.
This 9th full length documentary by Imagination Productions was produced over the course of three years and charts the experiences of three different Israeli innovators who use their research and knowledge to benefit projects in California, Africa and India. Weaving in animation, music and on-location filming, the producers build on the themes of sustainability and environmental protection to tell the story of humankind’s ability to make a significant change.
