Soft Water Hard Stone (2017)

With populations on the rise, present and future generations will search for solutions of how to deal with water crises in big cities. Soft Water Hard Stone is a heartfelt call to action on environmental and human issues and an investigation into the abuse of this most precious resource. The film bears witness to the most critical urban water crisis ever, in São Paulo Brazil, a metropolis with an exploding population of over 20 million people. From the toxic rivers turned into open sewers, to entire neighborhoods without water supply for weeks, the filmmakers portray every scene of this disturbing drama. Historical, political, financial and social issues are raised with clarity and sobriety. A profound dialogue among victims, scientists, influential leaders and decision-makers turns this complicated subject into a feature-length narrative that presents the facts through a dynamic construction of characters and their points of view. International figures such as Fulbright Scholar Richard Palmer and Saskia Sassen from Columbia University discuss, alongside representatives of the UN and the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, actual and future challenges. Public health experts and environmental activists expose the current situation and question the measures being taken, and ordinary citizens relate the terrible consequences of the crisis. Water shortages are becoming more frequent, green areas and water sources are vanishing and the mismanagement of solid waste and sewage is suffocating the rivers and reservoirs. While the politicians look the other way people are suffering. What can be done? More than a case study of a local problem, this film adds to a growing body of investigative documentaries that are facing up to the question on how humanity is dealing with what really matters: our survival.