ABOUT THE PROJECT

LOGLINE
In the near-future, as a mega-drought ravages the Southwest and puts 40 million people in an unprecedented water crisis, Emery, a botanist from the Navajo Nation, embarks on a journey down the Colorado River to monitor a hydroelectric project that forces her to confront her own conscience, all while being haunted by visions from the past that provide clues for the river’s salvation.

SYNOPSIS
In a parched and desolate landscape, Emery, a botanist from the Navajo Nation, drives down a desert highway. Memories of her aunt teaching her how to cut a prickly pear interrupt her view of the drought ridden terrain. Passing rows of cars heading westward, Emery sees abandoned vehicles scattered along the road.

She stops at Glen Canyon Dam, now a relic of the past, inoperable, CLOSED signs litter the concrete structure. With Lake Powell dried up, Emery reflects on the drastic changes in the environment. Despite the dystopian landscape, the sight of the Colorado River running through captivates her.

Flashbacks of her aunt weaving a mat from willow branches flood Emery’s thoughts as she encounters Tanya, a fellow Navajo, at Vermillion Cliffs Cafe and two white men, developers from Hydroelectric, Floyd and Noah.

Emery joins the group at Lee’s Ferry, for a river expedition that includes Noah, Floyd, Jordan the for hire guide, and his first mate Kendall. As they descend the river into the canyon, discussions of hydroelectric projects and environmental impact unfold. Emery monitors the group from a distance and focuses on studying the ecosystem, in particular the invasive plant species, the Tamarisk. Noah and Floyd’s ambitions for new, smaller, dam projects along the river take shape.

Along the journey downriver, Emery grapples with her sense of duty, environmental ethics, and growing attraction to Noah. Encounters with wildlife, including a mountain lion, and strange visions of people from the past, including Glen Hyde, add layers to her introspection.

Emery’s resolve is tested as she navigates the river, and must confront her fears, and grapple with the consequences of human intervention in the natural world. Amidst the backdrop of environmental crisis and personal turmoil, Emery’s journey becomes a quest for understanding and resilience.

PROJECT TYPE Narrative Feature

DIRECTOR Emilie Upczak
SCREENWRITER Emilie Upczak
PRODUCER John Otterbacher, Emilie Upczak, Lisa Yellow Eagle, Christi Cooper

WEBSITE siltthemovie.com

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