DamNation
DamNation

Movie spotlight

DamNation

2014
Movie
87 min
English

This powerful film odyssey across America explores the sea change in national attitude from pride in big dams as engineering wonders to the growing awareness that our own future is bound to the life and health of our rivers.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users94%
Director: Ben Knight, Travis RummelGenres: Documentary, Nature

Plot Summary

DamNation is a documentary film that explores the ecological consequences of dam building in the United States. It highlights the history of dam construction and its impact on rivers and wildlife, while also showcasing the growing movement to remove obsolete dams and restore river ecosystems. The film features stunning cinematography of wild rivers and interviews with scientists, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Critical Reception

DamNation received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its powerful message, breathtaking visuals, and compelling narrative. Critics praised its exploration of a complex environmental issue and its hopeful outlook on river restoration. The film resonated with both environmentalists and general audiences, earning it a strong reception.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning and deeply informative, effectively illustrating the environmental damage caused by dams.

  • A compelling call to action for river restoration and dam removal, blending scientific insight with passionate advocacy.

  • Praised for its balanced perspective, showcasing both the historical rationale for dams and the ecological imperative for their removal.

Google audience: Google users widely praised DamNation for its beautiful cinematography and its important, eye-opening message about river ecosystems and the impact of dams. Many appreciated the film's focus on restoration and its hopeful tone.

Awards & Accolades

Awarded the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival and the Environmental Film Award at the Boulder International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film's production involved extensive travel across the United States, capturing footage of rivers before and after dam removal to visually demonstrate the restoration process.

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