The River

The River is about the bonds of friendship between a few locals who work tirelessly to protect the river that runs through their small town of Hancock, New York.

Up against powerful organizations in New York City and the state, they still show up day after day, year after year, to try and move the needle a tiny bit. As the film unfolds, the private wounds our characters are nursing become more apparent, giving us a glimpse into their personal reasons for showing up with such single-minded dedication to their “River family.” They advocate for the pristine ecosystem and trout fishery in their own back yards by asking for a steady stream of cold water from two dams upstream, both built and controlled by New York City. While the townsfolk focus on preserving natural resources and the local fishing economy, the City thinks instead of potential water shortages for its millions of constituents.

The City controls the water flow through Hancock and beyond, and our characters are simply asking for a seat at the table. They encounter constant obstacles and red tape on their quest for representation, but they remain congenial and inclusive in a political climate that too often lacks basic common decency. The River is an ode to small towns all across America working to have their voices heard in an urban-controlled geopolitical landscape. It honors the pain and sacrifice, the disenfranchisement they feel, while also highlighting the complexity of the issues and the resilience that’s possible with the support of a few close friends.