Rehad Desai’s documentary “Capturing Water” addresses the severe water crisis in South Africa, particularly in Cape Town, exacerbated by climate change and governmental neglect. It highlights the struggles of grassroots activists advocating for equitable water distribution while also drawing attention to global issues related to water scarcity. The film aims to inspire action and recognizes water as a human right amidst rising market commodification.
In early 2018, Cape Town faced an intense drought threatening its water supply, prompting fears of “Day Zero,” when the municipal water would run dry. South African filmmaker Rehad Desai highlights this crisis in his documentary “Capturing Water,” which is screened at the Joburg Film Festival and delves into the broader implications of climate change on water resources across the continent.
Desai emphasizes that by 2030, approximately 250 million individuals in urban areas will experience water stress due to rising temperatures exacerbated by climate change. He points out that the Western Cape’s water crisis stems from years of governmental neglect alongside natural drought conditions, despite being regarded as a well-functioning municipality.
The documentary illustrates severe repercussions: untreated sewage from Cape Town is discharged into the sea at a cost of 55 million liters of freshwater daily. Across South Africa, the situation is dire, with 3.5 million households lacking access to clean water and 35% of the available water lost through infrastructure leaks. Desai notes that municipalities lack both funding and competence to address these issues, compounded by continuous budget cuts for essential services.
Political decisions have increasingly significant impacts on water distribution; the documentary reveals stark inequalities, as only 13% of Cape Town’s population consumes over half of its water supply. The rush for development following the pandemic has further strained access for local residents, resulting in water rationing and inequitable distribution, especially for those in impoverished townships.
Desai raises critical questions regarding equitable water sharing and planning for the future, suggesting grassroots solutions as vital to addressing the crisis. The film showcases local activists fighting against water privatization, judicial actions by farmers to protect aquifers, and community members resisting sewage pollution of wetlands.
Furthermore, “Capturing Water” extends its scope beyond South Africa, addressing global challenges related to water security wherein financial speculators exploit water scarcity for profit. Desai warns that as water becomes scarce, affordability issues for vulnerable populations will increase, transforming water from a basic human right into a mere commodity manipulated by market forces.
The documentary follows Desai’s previous politically charged works, and he aims for a comprehensive rollout to ignite action across the continent. He believes that inspiring emotional responses through film can mobilize communities towards activism and change, emphasizing the film’s role as a tool for social transformation. The Joburg Film Festival is scheduled for March 11-16.
“Capturing Water” serves as a critical examination of the urgent water crisis in South Africa and beyond, driven by climate change, governmental neglect, and socioeconomic inequalities. Through a compelling narrative and grassroots activism, the documentary strives to inspire action and promote equitable solutions. Rehad Desai’s work highlights the importance of addressing water scarcity not only locally but as part of a global challenge, with a call to recognize water as a fundamental human right rather than a market commodity.
Original Source: variety.com
