Pistachio Wars

synopsis

The United States is the largest producer of pistachios in the world. Growing them in California requires huge volumes of water, which many people can no longer get in the quantities they need. In the meantime, the vast inland plains, once plundered by oil production in the state, have become giant industrial farms. Investigative journalist Yasha Levine's reporting journey uncovers the context of the reckless trafficking of one of the most basic raw materials – water. Changes in legislation and massive encroachment on natural watercourses are transforming not only the landscape, but above all the human value of this life-giving liquid.

“The thing I find most shocking is comparing the images of the past—a lush wetland with abundant bird life—to now, a landscape dominated by industrial farming.”

Quote source: Film Fest Report

biography

Yasha Levine (1981) is a Russian-American investigative journalist who was born in the former Soviet Union and grew up in California after emigrating to the USA. Rowan Wernham is a New Zealand designer and filmmaker. His directorial debut, the animated short X.O. GENESIS (2009), has screened at festivals around the world.

more about film

director:	Yasha Levine, Rowan Wernham
producer:	Rowan Wernham
script:	Yasha Levine
editing:	Adam-Luka Turjak
music:	Maxwell Scott
executive producer:	Thierry Jutel

contact

Rowan Wernham
rowan.wernham@gmail.com