Rehad Desai’s documentary “Capturing Water” addresses South Africa’s water crisis, exacerbated by climate change, governmental negligence, and socio-economic inequality. It depicts grassroots efforts to combat water scarcity while underscoring the global implications of water commodification. Desai emphasizes that emotional engagement through film can drive social change, calling for urgent action in response to this critical issue.
In early 2018, South Africa’s Western Cape faced a severe drought, leading to fears of “Day Zero,” a point when municipal water supplies would run out. While this crisis was narrowly averted, filmmaker Rehad Desai emphasizes in his documentary “Capturing Water” that it represents a larger, ongoing threat driven by climate change in South Africa and the continent at large.
Desai forecasts that by 2030, 250 million people may contend with water stress, especially in urban areas. He points to the alarming rise in temperatures and notes that the continent is becoming drier due to climate change. The documentary illustrates that the droughts from 2015 to 2020 were the result of years of governmental neglect and inadequate management, despite the Western Cape being labeled as one of the better functioning municipalities.
The impacts of this neglect are dire: significant volumes of poorly treated sewage from Cape Town are discharged directly into the ocean, consuming 55 million liters of freshwater daily. Across South Africa, 3.5 million households lack access to clean water, with 35% of the existing clean water lost through leaks. Desai argues that municipalities lack the necessary funds and capabilities to effectively address these issues.
Political decisions are increasingly vital, as wealth disparities exacerbate water access issues. In Cape Town, a mere 13% of the population consumes over half of the available water supply, putting immense pressure on dwindling resources driven by economic growth and tourism. Water rationing has become a norm, adversely affecting poorer communities who receive minimal access to water daily.
Desai poses critical questions about equitable water distribution, emphasizing the need for rational plans that do not favor the affluent. While the documentary does not provide definitive answers, it highlights local grassroots initiatives working to combat the water crisis, such as activists opposing water privatization and lawsuits against government projects threatening aquifers.
The themes explored in “Capturing Water” reflect broader global challenges as climate change places numerous regions at risk for water scarcity. Desai draws parallels to California, where the acquisition of farmland by foreign entities threatens aquifers, exacerbating water affordability issues for the less fortunate. Water is increasingly viewed and traded as a commodity rather than a human right.
Desai’s previous work includes notable documentaries addressing social justice issues in South Africa, and he intends to distribute “Capturing Water” widely to inspire action and raise awareness about this pressing crisis. He believes that films can emotionally engage communities, fostering activism that can lead to significant social change. The Joburg Film Festival, running from March 11 to 16, will showcase this important work.
“Capturing Water” serves as a critical examination of the urgent water crisis facing South Africa and the broader implications of climate change on global water security. The documentary underscores the importance of grassroots activism and political accountability in addressing water inequities. As the director, Rehad Desai, emphasizes, mobilizing emotional responses through film can catalyze social change and inspire communities to fight for equitable water distribution.
Original Source: variety.com
